Ruth Fountain

RUTH E. FOUNTAIN KING, WI. Age 80 – died on Thursday, November 22, 2007 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, WI. She was born on January 4, 1927 in Lancaster, WI, daughter of the late Walter and Leona (Tanner) Beetham. She married David H. Fountain on July 3, 1948 in Lancaster, WI. Ruth is survived by her husband: David, her children: Janice Fountain of Downer’s Grove, IL, Lt. Col. Mary (Capt. (Ret.) Garry) Yusckat of Fayetteville, NC, Nancy (Col. Paul) Laes of St. Paul, MN, and Col. (Ret.) Walter (Carol) Fountain of Green Bay, WI. Ruth is also survived by nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents. Ruth received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from UW – Madison and her Master’s Degree in Environmental Sciences from UW – Green Bay. Ruth was a Registered Dietician and had been a consultant with the food service departments of various Northeastern Wisconsin nursing homes and the Pulaski, WI School District. Ruth particularly enjoyed teaching and was a substitute teacher in the Green Bay, WI schools for many years before she taught nutrition at UW –Green Bay for about 13 years. She had also taught classes on the Menominee Indian Reservation in Keshena through UW – Green Bay. She was always very proud of growing up on a family farm and was a lifetime member of the FFA. In showing off her exceptional skill in evaluating animals, Ruth caused quite a stir at the 1941 International Live Stock Exhibition in Chicago as the only girl selected to compete in the junior-class of the livestock judging competition. She had been active with the Girl Scouts’ Lac Baie Council as a highly respected troop leader. While a member at the Wisconsin Veterans Home, she enjoyed volunteering her time helping with various activities and served as the members’ representative on the Ethics Committee. A funeral mass will be held at the Wisconsin Veterans Home – Main Chapel on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 at 11:00 AM, with Father Paul Vanden Hogen, officiating. Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery. Friends may call at the Wisconsin Veterans Home – Main Chapel on Tuesday from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. A memorial fund has been established to the Wisconsin Veterans Home Recreation Department in the name of Ruth E. Fountain. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ruth Fountain

January 4, 1927 - November 22, 2007