Ruth Valerie Walsh, entered eternal life twenty days before her 100th birthday.  She was born on November 13, 1924, in Chicago, Il, the daughter of Oscar and Adele (Verbeurgt) VanDenHende who immigrated from Belgium.

Ruth attended high school on a four-year scholarship at St. Casimir Academy in Chicago, graduating in 1942.  She never lost her love of learning and instilled that love in all of her children.

On February 15, 1947 Ruth was united in marriage to Vincent Walsh. Her wedding dress was made from Vince’s parachute used in WWII. This marriage was blessed with seven children. Vincent preceded her in death on December 15, 1991. 

Ruth was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church since 1956 where she was active in the Altar Society and the Sacred Heart School PTA. She was also a volunteer for a variety of committees, activities and events sponsored by and for the benefit of Sacred Heart Church and School. In addition, she volunteered for many years in the Reedsburg hospital thrift store. She was an Avon representative and at age 68 began working in customer sales for Land’s End in Reedsburg, retiring at age 78. 

Ruth was honored to be a stay-at-home mother for her children. When asked what she wanted in her obituary, her response was “Just say that I was a regular mom.” Her children think that she was an amazing mom!

Ruth was an avid sports fan, cheering for the Packers, Badgers and Brewers. She celebrated her 90th birthday at a Badger basketball game and was featured with Bucky on the Jumbotron scoreboard. Garage sales were a passion; holding one yearly and shopping at many. The cherished treasures were displayed for sale on her shelf at Lucy’s Mercantile in Reedsburg.   Ruth enjoyed playing Scrabble, Dominos, Bridge and other card games.  She loved reading, gardening and bird watching. But above all, Ruth cherished the time she spent with her family and friends.

Ruth was also preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her daughter, Susan Walsh Anderson, daughter-in- law, Stephanie Hargrove Walsh, and sons-in-law, Bill Anderson and Charlie Wilson.

Ruth is survived by her children: Sandra Walsh, Patrick Walsh (Lorrie DeNinno), Diane Geffert (Roger Sterba), Nancy (Steve) Boeder, Thomas Walsh, Michelle (Kevin) Smith; son-in-law, Dan Geffert and daughter-in-law, Gina Fiamma. Grandchildren: Andy (Kallie) Anderson, Kristen (Matt) Coutts, Alex (Elaina) Walsh, Alex Hargrove, Grace Hargrove, Brandon Geffert, Brent Geffert (Chrissy Rettig), Brock Geffert, Alecia (Nick) Nowak, Cameron Boeder (Megan Stout), Vincent (Nicole) Walsh, Zachary Walsh, Izzy Walsh, Thomas Walsh, Jr. and Nate Smith, 8 great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews along with other relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank the Reedsburg Area Senior Life Center for their excellent care and Agrace Hospice for their support during her final days.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Ruth V. Walsh will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Reedsburg.  Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Memorials may be made to St. Jude or Agrace Hospice in lieu of flowers.