Ruth Ley

Madison - Ruth Flueckinger Ley, passed away on Friday April 25, 2014. She was born May 14, 1917 near Abilene, Kansas, daughter of Rev. Carl and Lena (Schneider) Flueckinger. She went to school in Louisville, KY, and graduated from high school in Belleville, WI. Ruth graduated from Mission House College (now Lakeland College) near Sheboygan, WI. She taught classes at Maple Corner schoolhouse near Fitchburg, WI. Ruth married Rev. Ralph P. Ley on July 2, 1939. Together they served churches in Green Bay, Kohler and Waukesha, WI as well as Chicago, IL. They moved to Madison, WI when Ralph became the United Church Christ Wisconsin Conference president from 1966 to 1981. Ruth wanted all minister's wives to be honored as she was when the Ralph and Ruth Ley Chapel was named in their honor at United Church of Christ Pilgrim Camp along Green Lake in 2009.

Ruth was very active in the churches they served and later at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ in Madison, WI. She served on several church boards, Woman's Bible classes, and Over 55. She was a substitute teacher in Madison during the 1970's. Ruth belonged to the United Nations of Dane County, Church Women United, and volunteered at Global Express, which sold third world crafts. She volunteered at the Oakwood Village pharmacy after she moved to Tabor Oaks, part of Oakwood Village retirement community in Madison.

She enjoyed her family, reading, and playing the piano. As a teenager, she played the piano at her father's churches and later at her husband's churches. Ruth was loved by everyone who met her. She was always interested in new ideas and was willing to share her thoughts. Ruth and Ralph did extensive traveling, led a tour to the Holy Lands, and visited many European countries, China, Russia, Australia and others.

Ruth is survived by four children, James (Ruth) Ley of Menomonie, WI, Rev. Richard (Rita) Ley of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Margaret (Brad) Wennen of Madison, WI, and John (Cathy) Ley of Beaver Dam, WI. She was a beloved grandmother to eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren who will miss her dearly. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband (1993); her sister; brother and sister-in-laws; and a grandson.

Ruth will be greatly missed by her many friends and relatives. A special thank you to Jean Rush, her pastoral partner at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ.

Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711. The funeral will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

Memorials may be sent to the Memorial Fund at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711 and to the Ralph and Ruth Ley Scholarship Fund at Lakeland College, P.O. Box 359, Sheboygan, WI 53082.