Ruth Kirchoff

Ruth Elaine (Phen) Kirchoff, age 90, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 30, 2020. She was born on February 8, 1930, in Beloit, Wisconsin, the daughter of Russell and Elizabeth (Capron) Phen. Ruth met her husband Clifford Kirchoff while working together at Oscar Meyer. They married on October 9, 1948 at Bethel Lutheran Church where they were members.

Ruth was a devoted wife and mother who always put her family first. As a caregiver at heart, later in life she returned to school to become a nurse. She worked at Meriter Hospital, formerly Methodist Hospital, mainly in the Intensive Care Unit until her retirement. She enjoyed reading, sewing, and ironing things people don't iron anymore. She ironed her pillowcases and sheets, darned socks, and sewed buttons until she could not anymore. She enjoyed the simple things in life, spending time with family, antiquing, thrift shopping, zebras, the color blue, and eating at Denny's.

Since she never got a driver’s license after her husband and chauffer Cliff died, she joined a church she could walk to. So in 2003 she began attending Madison Lakeview Christian Church. She served on the board of directors there from 2005 until she was unable to in 2016. The people of Lakeview were like a second family to her. Preacher Bob Fumoso, her close friend, brought church and cherry pie to her at home where they had many visits together up until her last days.

Those left to remember Ruth are her daughters, Rebecca Parisi, Kathryn (Randy) Ree, Melissa (Scott) Anderson; her six grandchildren, Rene (Joel) Dalsoren, Randy Ree, Robby Ree, Dillon (Brooke) Parisi, Kate Parisi (Tony), and Lea Anderson; her two great-grandchildren, Zachary and Hunter Dalsoren; her friends Dennis and Sandy Herfel, Eileen, and Glen from Monona Lakeview Apartments. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Cliff; her sons, William and Rock; and grandson, Jion.

A private family and close friends service and burial to be held at Sunset Memory Gardens, Madison, Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at 12:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, Ruth asked memorials be sent to Media Ministry @ Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave. Madison, WI 53703. She enjoyed watching their televised worship service and knows what a blessing it can be for those who cannot worship in person.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3325 E. Washington Ave.

Madison (608) 249-6666