Ruth Eileen Sander, a loving mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother, and treasured friend, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at the age of 94. She was born on March 11, 1931, in Prairie Farm, Wisconsin. After her marriage to Robert Sander, she made her home in Eau Claire, where she raised her family and built a strong community for more than 40 years.

Ruth dedicated her life to the people she loved. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone around her feel special, welcomed, and deeply cared for. She enjoyed a long and fulfilling career with First Federal Savings and Loan of Eau Claire, where she managed the loan department and served as an executive corporate secretary. Following her retirement, she moved to Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, where she continued to make cherished memories with family and friends near and far. Ruth approached life with energy, generosity, and curiosity. She loved traveling, gardening, and baking, and she was her grandchildren’s most enthusiastic supporter—rarely missing a game and always cheering the loudest. A proud and devoted Green Bay Packers fan, Ruth also delighted in shopping outings and discovering new restaurants, especially when shared with the people she loved.

Ruth is survived by her three children: Vicki (Brian) Johnson, Cheryl Burchard, and Diane Abushhiwa; her daughter-in-law Lori Sander, and grandchildren: Jodi (Derek) Frans, Marc Johnson, Sarah (Neil) Rodgerson, Casey (Christie) Burchard, Tori Sander, Jamaal (Sarah) Abushhiwa, Bakir (Ashleigh) Abushhiwa, and Malek Abushhiwa; and nine great‑grandchildren who brought endless joy to her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Sander; her son, Thomas Sander; her grandson, Clayton Sander and grandson, Aaron Johnson. Ruth will be remembered for her warmth, humor, strength, and the way she made every person feel like family. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who carry forward the love, strength, and kindness she instilled in them. Her family finds comfort knowing she is reunited with those she loved.

Visitation will be from 12-1:00 PM on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Cress Funeral Service SUN PRAIRIE with a Memorial Service to begin at 1:00 PM. If you are not able to join us in person, please register at the following link to view the service: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=a8504968-1a52-4d41-b5df-e998e3732bbf.  Ruth will be brought to her final place of rest in a private ceremony at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Ridgeland, WI. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Sun Prairie Food Pantry.

Cress Funeral Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

608-837-9054