Ruth A. Friese

Madison - Ruth A. Friese, age 95, passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2011, at UW Hospital in Madison. She was born on February 3, 1916, in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, the daughter of Albert C. and Elsie (Boushon) Stephan. Ruth was a 1933 graduate of Lake Geneva High School, where she played the violin in the school orchestra and enjoyed girls' athletics. She said many times how much she loved playing on the girls' basketball team. Ruth was employed as a district manager for Avon Cosmetics from 1949 - 1954. From 1965 until her retirement in 1982, she worked for the State of Wisconsin in various departments. During her working years, Ruth was especially pleased to have reached the 4-gallon mark as a blood donor. In 1981, she was actively involved in working for Wisconsin's Clean Indoor Air Act, which provided no smoking areas in public places.

Survivors include her five children: Elsie Edge (Eugene) Patterson of Neenah, Wisconsin; John (Barbara) Edge of Salem, Oregon; David Glenn Friese of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin; Darlene Friese (Philip) Sauby of Poynette, Wisconsin; and Debra Friese (James) Erickson of Madison; 12 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; a great-great granddaughter; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Harvey Edge and Glenn Friese; a daughter, Donna Edge Cook; four sisters, Violet Stephan, Gertrude (John) Henne, Ruby (Frank) Johonnott and Arlene Manley; and a brother, Arthur.

A funeral service will be held at the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, 701 Bear Claw Way, Madison on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona. A visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

She gave generously to many worthy causes, and children held a special place in her heart. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for Primary Children's Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah.