Obituaries

I was very saddened by news of Ruth's passing. We worked together and I really enjoyed her friendship and wit. My condolences to her loved ones.

I want to give my deepest condolences to Ruth's family. I was part of Ruth's community group at Blackhawk Church. We met virtually on Mondays. Even though we never met in person, I looked forward to hearing Ruth talk about her love of God and the desire for all to know our Lord as she did. Even though she may have been going through some rough times, you would never know because her spirit was full of joy. I feel blessed to have been part of her life for a short time. Until we meet again! Gloria

Rest In Peace my friend. We'll talk again on the other side.

Very sad. Ruth served on the Executive Council of our union, the Wisconsin Professional Employee Council. She was an active member for many years. I learned some important things about public procurement from her as well.

II am so saddened to hear of the passing of Ruth. For many years I worked along side her on the Wisconsin Professional Employees Council executive board. She showed her desire to bring fairness and justice to the employees of Wisconsin by always bringing forth a common sense contribution to every discussion. Working in information tech at UWM, I know how hard she worked to get fair contracts in so many projects I was involved with. She will be missed by so many in so many ways.

Ruth was someone I enjoyed getting to know and work with in on regional committees. A kind person and someone I will remember with fond memories. God's blessings to Ruth's family for peace and comfort. John Rathje

I was sad to hear of Ruth's passing. I worked with Ruth in the UW System as a technology buyer at two different campuses. Always a great person to work with and a true expert in all she did. Definitely one of my favorite people to work with. She will be truly missed by her collegues in the UW and across the country. My thoughts and prayers to Ruth's family and friends, may her memories warm your hearts.

Ruth's good nature, sense of humor, and expertise made the procurement process transparent and easier to navigate. She contributed not only know-how but vision. Above all, she was kind and gracious. I feel fortunate to have worked with her and to have known her. Thank you, Ruth. My sympathy to her family and friends.

I had both the privilege and honor of working with Ruth since 2008 when we both started at UW. The first 11 years Ruth was my go-to person for any sort of IT contract or IT wisdom. The last 4 years was a greater privilege for me as I joined the same Purchasing team as Ruth at UW System Administration where we were able to work together much more closely. I will miss the daily communication I had with Ruth on things that go well beyond work and include things such as her faith, her mom and her daughter, all three of which she loved to talk about. She was more than a work colleague, she was my friend. And I will truly miss her. Brent Tilton

The yellow candle is in lieu of a daffodil - Ruth knows and would chuckle as we did every year as they bloomed. 'Ruth Rants' often made my day, and I enjoyed every minute I was fortunate enough to spend with her. She was a colleague, a mentor, and a friend. She was fantastic at what she did for a living, understanding the complexities of the circumstances in a way that most never could - and then sharing her expertise freely to help others. Her wit and humor were unique and unmatched. She will be greatly missed, and my condolences to Rachel and Vilma.

Words fail to express my deep sorrow for your loss. Her kind heart and quick wit will be forever missed. Thank you for everything that you have done. Ryan Moore University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

I had the privilege to work with Ruth while I was with the State of Wisconsin and just learned of her passing. She was so talented and dedicated to her public service and inspired others to be better themselves. She was an asset to the University of Wisconsin system and to the public procurement profession. She had a very diverse background that made her special and she will be missed. Rest in Peace Ruth. Rick Hughes

Ruth was so good at her job and her love for what she did shone through. I miss her. Jennifer Lattis.

Oh Ruth! I will miss your good humor and your expertise in procurement matters. I always counted on hearing from you when an issue was posed, and you always provided excellent insight and help. Rest well. Marg Knox Univ of Texas System