Ruth Duffy

Ruth Girman Duffy

1959 - 2017

Ruth Girman Duffy, 58, went peacefully to her forever home on July 28, 2017, in Fitchburg, Wis., surrounded by family and pets.

Ruth was born to Mark and Earlene (Jornt) Girman on Jan. 20, 1959, with a special zest for life
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Educated in Kenosha schools, Ruth was a graduate of Bradford High School where she so enjoyed playing her French horn, as well as with the Pop's Band. Ruth is a graduate of U.W. Whitewater, majoring in education.

A member of Delta Zeta Sorority, she found life-long friendships. She taught Kindergarten, married Steve Duffy on May 26, 1982, at St. George Church. They raised their three fine boys in Wheaton, Ill., giving them opportunities in scouts, sports, and music. Ruth was a valued assistant teacher in their schools. She enjoyed her skills in decorating, worked for years for Country Curtains, receiving their coveted Circle of Gold Award in Stockbridge, Mass., for outstanding performance. Ruth was a natural at dance all her life.

Ruthie's love for children spilled over to her pets and elderly as well. She was among the originators of The Animal Assisted Therapy at Edward Hospital in Naperville. She encouraged patients to make efforts to recover, much as she did so herself eventually. Her colleagues in that program became "family." Ruth then worked with Alzheimers patients, bringing joy to many.
Ruthie created wool quilts for many as a legacy; they are labeled "Ruthie's Best."

She is survived by her husband, Steve; her sons, Paul, Neil and fiance` Danielle, and Glen, as well as her parents, Mark and Earlene (Jornt) Girman; her siblings, Judith (Tom) Kordus and Stephen (Susan) Girman and niece, Lindy Girman and Joseph Girman; and her loving pet dogs.
Survived also by Aunts Rachel Zahn (Bill) and Juanita Becker (Bob) and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by loving grandparents, Earl and Virginia (Wade) Jornt, Paul and Lorene Girman, and great grandparents.

Mass will be held on Saturday, Aug. 19, at 12:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Church, 4816 - 7th Avenue, Kenosha, WI. Visitation will be held from 11:45 a.m. to the time of the mass with a gathering at Circa on Seventh to follow.

Ruthie will be interned at Green Ridge Cemetery, Kenosha with her grandparents, Earl and Virginia Jornt.

Donations may be sent to American Brittney Rescue, Treasurer, 731 Ridge Haven, Dr. LaHabra, CA 90631.
Please share a memory of Ruth.



Cress Funeral Home
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-8406