Ruth A. Thomas, 87, of Shawano, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, July 28, 2018, at Walker Highview Hills Assisted Living Facility in Lakeville, Minnesota.
Ruth was born July 19, 1931, in Shawano, daughter of the late William and Margaret (Karstedt) Engel. She attended grade school in a one-room school in Red River and graduated from Shawano High School in 1949. Ruth’s career began in a law office in Shawano. She then went on to work for 33 years, and four judges, as a court reporter for Shawano County Circuit Court Branch 2, from its creation in 1957 until she retired in 1990. Ruth married the love of her life, Arnold Thomas, on Sept. 27, 1952, at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano. Arnold preceded her in death on March 22, 2015. The couple lived in Shawano and spent many wonderful winters at their condominium in Port Charlotte Harbor, Florida.
For many years, Ruth was an avid seamstress. She enjoyed sewing clothes and fashions for herself, her daughter and granddaughter. She enjoyed cooking and knew how to put together delicious meals, comfort foods and treats. She made sure her children knew how to swim and spent many days swimming at Red River with her brother and family. In their younger years, Ruth and Arnold enjoyed snowmobiling, rides on their motorcycles and trips across the U.S. Ruth was a loving grandmother and spent her retirement years with her grandchildren on many adventures to Door County, Disney World and other sites in Florida. Always attentive, she provided loving care to Arnold and his medical needs in his later years.
Survivors include her two children, Jane (Daniel) Schumacher, of Shawano, and James (Cheryl) Thomas, of Lakeville, Minnesota; two grandchildren, Anthony and Allison Thomas; one great-grandchild, Hadley Thomas; and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her brother, Roy Engel.
Funeral services for Ruth A. Thomas will be held on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Mickelson Funeral Service in Shawano. Pastor Steve Conradt will officiate. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. at the funeral home and continue until the time of service. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org in Ruth’s name.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.