Ruth Ehlts

Ruth Helen Ehlts, 85, of rural Waupun, went to the calling of her Lord on Monday, April 4, 2016 at Prairie Ridge Assisted Living in Beaver Dam surrounded by her family, following three strokes which started on March 5th.

Ruth was born September 20, 1930 the first child of Allen and Dorothy (Duitman) Wessels in their farm home in the town of Alto. At the age of 10 days, her family moved to a farm in the town of Alto where she lived the remainder of her life. At age 10, Ruth started a minnow bait business which continued for many years. She was valuable help with housekeeping and farm work including milking the cows. Ruth was a graduate of Madison School. Starting at age 18 she also worked piecework at Ideal Shoe Factory for 18 years. Ruth was very dedicated to her family. When still a girl, she played a major role in raising her sisters and especially her brother. On May 14, 1966 Ruth married Marvin Ehlts at Alto Reformed Church. She and her husband operated Marv’s Welding and Repair Service from 1970-1987. She raised two sons. She was also the caregiver for her husband as his health slowly declined. Ruth was a lifetime member of Alto Reformed Church. She was short on lectures and long on living a humble, selfless, Christian life to teach and guide her family.

Ruth is survived by two sons: Allen (Michelle) and Murray Ehlts, two grandsons: Christopher and Collin Ehlts all of rural Waupun, a granddaughter: Cassi (Ryan) Cave, a great-grandson, Jasper Cave all of Bozeman, Montana, sisters: Laurene Schumann of Evansville, WI and Doris Hopp of Waupun, a niece and two nephews; Ehlts’ family members: Selma Akin of Ogden, IA, Mary (Gary) Bolster of Austin, TX, Rosemarie (Merlin) Rogers of Monticello, IA, and other relatives and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband in 2005, her parents, her brother, Alton in 1999, her sisters spouses, Edward Schumann and Michael Hopp; Ehlts’ family members: Robert Akin, Lyle (Carol) Ehlts, and Carl Ehlts.


Friends and relatives may call on the family on Saturday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service.


Funeral services for Ruth Ehlts will be held Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Alto Reformed Church with Pastor Kevin Van Wyk and Pastor Ted Medema officiating.


Burial will follow at Alto Cemetery.