Ruth Rockwell

Ruth Mae [Guild] Rockwell, age 90, passed away on August 13th, 2015, at Oakwood Village West, Madison, WI in the Hebron skilled nursing unit.
She was born to Norman Louis Guild and Sophia Louisa May [Batker] Guild, (Mae) on March 15, 1925, and grew up on the family farm, later moving to Verona, WI. Ruth attended the Verona Public Schools, graduating from high school as valedictorian of her class in 1943. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in education and home economics from the University of Wisconsin on May 24, 1947, then taught two years in the Belleville, WI school system before marrying Roland Rockwell.
Following their marriage, they moved to Elgin, ND where Ruth taught home economics and English for two years. In following years Ruth and Roland also taught and worked in Livingston, Brodhead, Mt. Horeb, Baron, and Madison, WI. Ruth worked for a time as a school secretary and at the Mt. Horeb State Bank. She also worked for CESA #15 for eighteen years, retiring in the spring of 1987. After retirement Ruth and Roland continued to own and manage residential rental properties. Their final home was in Fitchburg, before their move to Oakwood Village, University Woods, in Madison, WI.
Ruth enjoyed homemaking, sewing, knitting, singing in her church choir, playing the organ, playing bridge, bird watching, doing the puzzles in the newspaper, celebrating holidays with family, and entertaining friends. She was a dedicated member of Midvale Lutheran Church and also attended services at the Oakwood Chapel.
Ruth always wore a smile and had a witty reply ready. She never complained or said an unkind word. She was a role model for positive attitude, encouragement, patience, love, and respect for all people.
She was preceded in death by her parents, by her sister, Gladys Eileen [Guild] Bentz, and by Roland, her husband for sixty-two years.
Ruth is survived by thirteen nieces and nephews - Julie Fitzpatrick of Madison, WI, Steven Bentz of Monticello, FL, Michael Bentz of Verona, WI, Erika Anderson of Munising, MI, Kenneth Carlson of Acton, MA, Larry Rockwell of Washington state,
Debbie Rockwell of Brighton, CO, Valerie Torphy of Denver, CO, Robin Dalberg of Grand Junction, Co, Holly Villa of Colorado Springs, CO, Melody Roller of Harmony, MN, Amber Coaty of Harmony, MN, and Mark Dalberg of Grand Junction, CO, whose extended visits over the last several years were such a blessing to Ruth.
Also surviving are two sisters-in-law - Marilyn Seeley of Grand Junction, CO and Linda Polesky of Harmony, MN - and five brothers-in-law - John Bentz of Verona, WI, LaVaughn Carlson of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Herbert Rockwell of St.Louis, MO, Ralph Seeley of Grand Junction, CO, and Dale Polesky of Harmony, MN. In addition, Ruth is survived by many cousins and countless friends, including two very dear and faithful friends who for many years have supported her with love and care. In Ruth's own words these two took on the roles of daughter and son in her heart and Roland's. They are Connie Hegerfeld of Black Earth, WI, and Jim Vogel of Middleton, WI.
Ruth will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
The family would like to thank Oakwood Village West and Agrace Hospice for their caring work with Ruth.
Memorial services will be conducted at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway
Road, Madison, WI on Friday, August 21st, 2015. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00, followed by the funeral service at 2:00. Memorials may be given to Agrace Hospice Care, Inc., 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, Oakwood Foundation, 6205 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705, or a charity of choice.

Cress Funeral Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434