Obit: Kollis, Ruth E. (1926 - 2009)

Contact: Audrey Roedl
Email: audero@charter.net

Surnames: Kollis, Johnson, Scafe, Decker, Zieske, Stevens, Salazar

Source TRG (Loyal, Clark County, Wis) 13 July 2009

Kollis, Ruth (09 JULY 2009-21 JULY 2009)

Ruth E. Kollis, 92, Niceville, Fla., formerly of Spencer, died on Monday, July 13, 2009, at the home of her son in Niceville.

Ruth Ellen Johnson was born was born on Dec. 9, 1926 in Augusta, to John H. and Ada M. (nee Scafe) Johnson. She graduated from East High School, Madison. She led an active life in Madison, Marshall, Spencer, and Daytona Beach, Fla. She auditioned for the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in her 20’s, and was always active in music. She was president of the Dane County Homemakers in the 1950’s. She was a dealer for Stanley Home Products for more than 35 years.

She went back to school in the 1960’s to become an LPN. She worked for several years at Central Wisconsin Center, Madison, and at several nursing homes in Daytona Beach. After retiring to Holly Hill, Fla., with her husband, she became very active with the Daytona Beach Dog Fanciers, serving in several offices and as show chairman. She raised standard poodles and corgis, and enjoyed showing them around the Florida dog show circuit.

One of her favorite things was to travel. When her family was young, they took camping trips all over the United States. Later, she took trips to England, China, Italy and Hungary. One of her trips was a cruise to Alaska with her dear friend, Irene Luepke, Spencer. She was always an active church member, first at Plymouth Congregational, Madison, then at Lake Edge UCC, Monona. Later she was active at the United Methodist Church, Spencer, where she sang in the choir for several years, and made many friends. When she moved to Florida, she belonged to Seabreeze UCC and sang in the choir. She also sang at Temple Beth El, Ormond, Fla. In her last four years, she attended White Chapel Church, South Daytona, Fla., with her good friends, the Rileys—Norman and Nancy. She also volunteered at the thrift store three days a week.

Survivors include her son, Edward J. Kollis, Niceville, a daughter, Ellen R. Decker, Neillsville; a grandson, KC Kollis, Columbus, Ohio, a granddaughter, Sarah Ruth Decker, Monona; a great-granddaughter, Olivia Ruth Zielke, Monona; a sister Esther Stevens, Cottage Grove; a brother, Carroll L. Johnson, Neillsville; and nieces and nephews, Charles Stevens, James Stevens and Margie Salazar.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, Edward R. Kollis in 1978; a grand daughter, Katherine Decker, in 2005; and two brothers, Alfred Johnson and William Johnson.

She will be missed by her family and friends. She had a full and active life.