Ruth Helene Sundby

Sundby, Ruth H. (Nelson) Stoughton- Ruth Helene (Nelson) Sundby, age 79, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at Nazareth House in Stoughton.   Ruthie was born to Arthur and Anna (Olson) Nelson on July 7, 1929, and was married to Donovan Sundby in 1950.   Ruth attended a one-room country school, and graduated from Stoughton High School.   She grew up during the Depression and learned to be frugal and appreciate the small things in life.   Ruthie wore many hats in life; she worked in tobacco, was a telephone operator, a cook at the Stoughton Country Club, a day care provider, bartender, a floral designer at Stoughton Floral, and a secretary for the State of Wisconsin, just to name a few.   Ruthie loved her dogs and horses, knitting, playing cards, gambling, fishing and flying with her husband.   She is survived by a brother, Peter (Dorothy) Nelson, of Stoughton; a sister, Susie (Jim) Dalk, of Verona; five children, Stuart (Mary Beth) of   Marshfield, Wendy of   Madison, Rebecca of Stoughton, Mary Jo (James) Cox of Oregon, and Nelson (Jan) of Stoughton; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.   Ruthie was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Betty Jane; brothers, Arvid Bud', and Burlyn Dutch'; and her husband, Donovan.   Friends and family will miss her friendship, quick wit, and fun sense of humor.   A special thank you to everyone at the Nazareth House, Stoughton Hospital, and Hospice Care.   Thank you to all who came to visit, and sent cards and letters.   Ruth will be laid to rest on Monday, June 6, 2009.   Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm at the Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral Home in Stoughton, with Monsignor Gerard Healy officiating.   Burial will follow at Eastside Cemetery in Stoughton.   The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Monday from 1:00 pm until the time of services.   Olson-Holzhuter-Cress 206 W Prospect Ave Stoughton 608-873-9244