Ruth Lathrop

MADISON - Ruth Eleanor (Reynolds) Lathrop, 92, of Madison, WI passed away after a brief illness on August 14, 2014 at Bethel Home in Viroqua, WI surrounded by her loving family.
Born on November 1st in rural Plymouth, Indiana she was the daughter of the late Loella Blanche (Churchill) and Ira Wilson Reynolds. Ruth grew up in South Bend, Indiana and married her late husband Trayton LeMoine Lathrop on August 19, 1944 spending their early wedded years during World War II in Maryland before settling in 1946 in Madison where they lived for the remainder of their lives.
She is survived by her children Mary Blanche Lathrop of Madison, WI, Carol Ruth Lathrop White of Glendale, WI, David Trayton Lathrop (Jacqueline) of McFarland, WI, Louise Ann Lathrop Hemstead (David) of LaFarge, WI; 5 Grandchildren Brian White (Kristin), Steven White, Jeffrey White, Kristina Hemstead (Robert) Ralph, Justin Hemstead and 2 Great grandchildren, Jenner and Andrew. Also surviving are her sister Barbara (Reynolds) Drake of Troy Michigan; sister-in-laws Dorothy Patricia (Carl) Amstrup; Esther Arlene Lathrop and brother-in-law Archibald James Lathrop; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Trayton; an infant sister Thelma May Reynolds; brother in law Donald (Barbara Reynolds) Drake; sister-in-laws Betty Jean (Lathrop) Bogan, and Mary Lou (Lathrop) Wolter.
Ruth served as a community leader in many organizations and as President of: Dane County Legal Auxiliary, Metropolitan Woman's Club, University West End Club and Dane County Home Extension. She was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she was ordained as an Elder additionally serving as Deacon and Circle Chairperson.
She was active in many community organizations among which were: the American Red Cross, St. Mary's Hospital, Wisconsin State Historical Museum, Diligent Doers 4-H Club, Scout leader, and XY-Square Dance Club.
Ruth taught piano lessons and was a church organist for many years at Westminster Presbyterian Church. She loved her work at UW Hospital as a coordinator for a research project for Parkinson's disease in the late 1970's.
Her many hobbies included her love of music extending from the Piano and Organ to Cello and Flute; her artistic flairs were lovingly given to her family and friends in gifts of Rosemaling and China Painting. She and her husband Trayton were the consummate hosts entertaining at home in Madison and their farm in Iowa County.
A Celebration of Ruth's Life will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4100 Nakoma Rd., Madison, 53711. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until time of service. Interment will be private.