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- Ruby Coates Verkuilen went to her heavenly reward on October 12th, one week before her 93rd birthday.
She had been a resident of Oakbrook Health Manor the previous five years. Ruby was born on October 20, 1917, to Henry and Ella (Borck) Coates in the township of Reseburg, rural Thorp. She graduated from Thorp High School, Class of 1934, and then attended Neillsville Normal School and River Falls State Teachers College earning a teacher's certificate. Ruby taught at rural Pioneer School, prior to her marriage to Walter Verkuilen on November 29, 1939. They resided on the Verkuilen family farm and together raised their seven children. Walter died in 1963. Ruby and her son, Marvin, continued to operate the family farm until 1969 when she moved to town. She was then a cook at the Thorp Elementary School for several years.
Ruby enjoyed playing cards with her friends, going for daily walks, gardening, cooking and baking for her family and friends. She was an avid Green Bay Packer/Wisconsin Badger fan and all activities her grandchildren were involved in. She was a "giving" woman volunteering many hours at St. Bernard-Hedwig Church and at Oakbrook Manor. She was a lifelong member of St. Bernard's parish, Women's Catholic Order of Foresters, and the Friendly Neighbors Homemakers Club.
Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; her stepson, Richard; her parents; and siblings, Irene Zettler, Margie Badzinski, and Henry Coates, Jr.
She is survived by her two stepsons, Roy (Rica) of Merrillville, IN, Robert (Helen) of Little Falls, MN; and her four children, Patricia (Merlin) Nevala of Menomonie, Marvin (Diane) of Thorp, Susan (Jim) Beaudette of Nisswa, MN, and John (Dawn) of Cameron. She is also survived by nineteen grandchildren; and thirtyfive great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. Friday, October 15th, at St. Bernard-Hedwig's Catholic Church followed by the funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. with the Rev. Keith Apfelbeck officiating. Burial will follow at St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery.
Ruby's family would like to express their deep gratitude to the wonderful, caring staff at Oakbrook Health/Rehab for all they did for her.
Memorials can be directed to the Oakbrrok Lovelight Fund or St. Bernard-Hedwig's Catholic Church. She was a grand lady and will be missed by many.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.cuddiefh.com.
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1917 - 2010 (92 years)
