Obit: Brooks, Ruth (1916 - 2009)

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 
 

Surnames: Brooks, King, Gilbert, Carter, Sanders, Colby, Peterson, Danso 
 

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.) November 18, 2009 
 

Brooks, Ruth  (17 December 1916 - 6 November 2009) 
 

Ruth Gilbert Brooks, 92, of New Richmond died peacefully Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at the Deerfield Commons where she resided. 
 

She was the second of four daughters born Dec. 17, 1916, in Eau Claire to Maude (King) and Walter Gilbert.  Ruth was married more than 50 years to James W. Brooks, who preceded her in death in 1998. 
 

Ruth lived in Green Bay most of her early life.  She graduated from Marquette University as a dental hygienist.  Later in her married life she and James lived in the Milwaukee area until their retirement to a home in rural Neillsville.  Winter months were spent in a second residence in Mesa, AZ, where there were many "snow bird" friends and park activities that Ruth enjoyed at Valle Del Oro Resort.  Her own children and grandchildren remember many nice times spent visiting her park model in Mesa.  Ruth also enjoyed traveling with the Air stream trailer club as well as taking several trips abroad. 
 

Eventually she and James moved to New Richmond, where a new residence was built near her son.  Ruth was a member of the New Richmond United Methodist Church and was an active "Barn Lady" at the New Richmond Heritage Center.  She was also an active member of the "Red Hat Society" during her residence at the Deerfield assisted living facility where she had her own apartment for several years up to the time of her death. 
 

Ruth is survived by her three children, Diane Carter (John) of Northville, MI, James G. Brooks (Kay) of New Richmond, Virginia Sanders (Robert) of Endicott, NY; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Colby, Keven Carter, Nathan Sanders, Noah Sanders, Liz Peterson, Ashley Brooks-Danso, Spencer Brooks; as well as one great-grandchild, Cass Carter. She also has one surviving sister, Eileen Gilbert, of Green Bay in addition to several nieces and nephews and special friends. 
 

A memorial service in New Richmond is being planned; details are pending.  Interment will be in Neillsville at the Brooks family plot.  Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church or the New Richmond Heritage Center.