Ruth Loomis

Ruth Hammersley Loomis passed away peacefully on July 6, 2015 after a very brief stay at the Waunakee (Wisconsin) Manor with Agrace Hospice Care attending to her, from heart and kidney failure. Ruth was born in Madison on October 13, 1919, the daughter of Ralph and Mabel Hammersley. She was married to Carl O. Loomis on February 14, 1947.
Ruth held BA and MA degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with a major in classical humanities.
Ruth began teaching Latin, English, and social studies at high schools in Ashland, Bloomer, and Baraboo in the early 1940's. She resumed teaching in 1960 at Van Hise Junior High School in Madison and continuing at Madison Memorial High School. In 1969 Ruth shifted her focus to special education, eventually moving into administration as coordinator for programs for the cognitively disabled and visually impaired, as well as supervisor of the school program at the University of Wisconsin Children's Hospital.
Following her retirement in 1986 from Madison Public Schools, Ruth volunteered full time clerical support in the legislative office of State Representative Rebecca Young until 1998. Beginning in 1998 and continuing until her passing, Ruth volunteered 30 hours weekly receiving and organizing donations at the warehouse of Porchlight, Inc., a program for the homeless.
Beyond her volunteer work and well into her advancing years, Ruth enjoyed many of her life-long activities, including listening to classical music, reading two daily newspapers, cooking, and following politics at all levels with keen perception and understanding. Furthermore, Ruth closely followed the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers sports.
Ruth will be remembered for her determination and creativity to live independently until just a few days of her passing. She had a great sense of humor and was unfailingly good humored. She maintained an optimistic outlook on life almost until the end, when she finally realized she had to surrender to and accept the inevitable.
Always most important to Ruth was the time she enjoyed with her family, especially her two sons and their wives. Among her last words about her two sons: "There is nothing better than two good boys."
Ruth's husband Carl predeceased her in 1993, her sister Janet (Ronald) in 1999, and her brother Dr. Donald (Edith) Hammersley in 2007.
Ruth is survived by her two sons, Frederick (Debbie) Loomis of Middleton, WI and James (Laura) Loomis of Wisconsin Dells, WI; seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren; sister in law Edith Hammersley; two nieces and one nephew.
The family wishes to extend a very special "thank you" to Dr. Ed Ahrens, Dr. Holly Keevil, and Dr. Thomas Wallhaus for their considerable care and kindness extended to Ruth. Also, the family acknowledges the excellent care provided by RN Tsering at Capitol Lakes Rehabilitation Center, PT Tracy Bovre at Meriter Therapy Central, the physicians and staff at Meriter Hospital, and the support provided by Independent Living, Inc. The family is especially grateful for the kindness and support extended by Ruth's extensive circle of loyal neighbors and friends.
Ruth has been a faithful and active member of Westminister Presbyterian Church since 1957.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests any memorials be made to Westminister Presbyterian Church or to Porchlight, Inc.

Cress
Funeral and Cremation Service
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608-238-3434
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