Irene Mary Ruys

Irene Mary Ruys, age 88, died peacefully on May 2, 2009, in the special month that celebrates Mother's Day. Irene was born in the Town of Buchanan on September 8, 1920, the daughter of the late William and Laura (Berghuis) Emmers. On June 3, 1944, she married Albert Ruys at St. Paul Catholic Church in Combined Locks. They enjoyed 58 years together, before Albert died in 2003.

Irene worked in the dietetics department of St. Elizabeth Hospital prior to marriage. After her marriage to Albert, she devoted herself to her life with Albert and their growing family. She was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and Christian Mothers for many years. Irene was very artistic and creative, leaving many beautiful pen and ink drawings and crochet work for her children to cherish.

In the early years of her busy family life, Irene grew a very large vegetable garden each summer. The family gardening experience became a source of many memories. In her late years Irene occupied herself with crochet. She was also always ready for a game of cards or cribbage. Irene was very proud of her large family of 11 children, 18 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter and 1 great step grandson. Her efforts and hard work will always be appreciated. Deeply loved, she will be sorely missed.

Irene is survived by her 11 children: Bill (Janet) Ruys of DePere, Irene (David) Nelson of Merritt Island, Florida, Mary (Lyle) Ellenbecker of Kaukauna, Joan (Michael) Hogan of Kaukauna, Tony Ruys of Darboy, Anne (Mike) Locy of Appleton, Katy Ruys of Fox Lake, Laura Ruys of Appleton, John (Jenny) Ruys of Combined Locks, Therese (Dick) Bosch of Menasha, and Sarah (Todd) Olson of Wausau; 18 grandchildren: Eric (Janel) Ruys, Molly Ruys, Erik (Jackie) Nelson, Anders (Amanda) Nelson, Catie Locy, Mary Stephani, Zachary Stephani, Emily Stephani, Caitlin Stephani, Rob Ruys, Albert Ruys, John Ruys, Ben Bosch, Angie Bosch, Megan Bosch, Rachel Olson, Christine Olson, and Luke Olson; 1 great-granddaughter: Emma Charlotte Ruys; 1 great-step grandson: Austin Roberts; 1 sister and brother-in-law: Rita and Martin Brock of Appleton; brothers-in-law: Hank Dictus and Nick Ruys of Kimberly; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Pete and Marie Ruys of Kimberly.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister and brother-in-law Erma and Richard Joosten, her sister Alma (Hank) Dictus, brother-in-law and sister-in-law George and Anna Ruys Hopfensperger, and sisters-in-law Sister Mary Joanna Ruys, Sister Alberta Anne Ruys, and Grace Ruys.

The Funeral Liturgy for Irene will be held 4:00 p.m. Thursday, May 7, 2009 at ST. KATHARINE DREXEL CATHOLIC CHURCH, 119 W. Seventh Street, Kaukauna. Fr. Jerry Pastors and Fr. Robert Vandenberg will officiate. A time of visitation and support will be held at the church on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at St. Mary Cemetery, Kaukauna.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Affinity Hospice and Appleton Health Care Center.

Irene's family extends their gratitude to all of Irene's caregivers, especially to Rachel and Tammy, Joyce and Connie, and Barb, Gina, Mindy and Kristy, all with Affinity Hospice; and to the staff of Appleton Health Care Center. The family is deeply grateful to Irene's daughter Therese, her husband Dick, and their children: Ben, Angie, and Megan. They so lovingly provided Irene with many months of very special care in their home.

Fargo Funeral Home
400 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Kaukauna 766-6200