Ruth Stearns

RUTH H. STEARNS WAUPACA, WI Ruth Harriet (Cruikshank) Stearns, 90, Waupaca, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Sat., Jan. 22, 2005, at Bethany Nursing Home, Waupaca. She was born June 17, 1914 in Chicago, IL, to the late Henry and Harriet (Leiby) Cruikshank. She married Clayton Stearns at West 74th St. Church of God, Chicago, on Oct. 17, 1936. After their marriage they purchased and operated The Silver Front grocery store in Chicago until 1949. Later in 1949 they moved to Blaine, WI where they farmed until 1951. They then moved to Waupaca where Clayton worked at Glovers Grocery Store and then The Market Basket. In 1963, together, they purchased and operated The Market Basket until they sold the store in 1972. Ruth continued working, part-time at Woody's Cheese Factory and then later she sold Sarah Coventry Jewelry until her retirement in 1985. One of the highlights of Ruth's life was when she was the grand-prize winner on the Price Is Right Show in 1984. Ruth loved to sing, play piano, garden, crochet, read, cook and bake. She worshipped her Lord and sang in trios, duets and solos at First Baptist Church, Waupaca. She had a never-ending energy and a love that spilled over in to everything she did. Her hearts desire was that all who knew her would see the Love of God in her. She lived her life to serve, first of all her Lord and Savior, then her family and friends. She unselfishly sacrificed her own comfort to meet the needs of others. Her family and all who knew her will dearly miss Ruth's sense of humor, love and tenderness. Ruth is survived by two sons: Jerry (Marsha) Stearns of Waupaca, and Ron (Barbara) Stearns of Waupaca, two daughters: Sharon (Paul) Casey of Waupaca, and Judi (Gary) Eubanks of Waupaca, 7 grandchildren: Mike (Monica) Stearns of Waupaca, Tereasa (Darryl) Sparrow of Waupaca, Michelle Stearns of Waupaca, Christine (Taylor) Jones of Steeleville, MO, Becky (Ed) Weinmann of Waupaca, Joseph Eubanks of Waupaca, and Justin Eubanks of Waupaca, 2 step-grandchildren: James (Liza) Casey of Pittsfield, Ma, and Tim Casey of Houston, TX, 6 great grandchildren, 3 step-great grandchildren, and two sisters-in-law: Gladys Cruikshank of Tinley Park, IL, and Margaret Cruikshank of Grand Rapids, MI. She is further survived by cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband: Clayton, a grandson: Tommy Stearns, her parents, three brothers: Clyde, Ralph, and Henry, and a sister: Leona. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Waupaca, WI, with the Reverend Larry Gross, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be in the Crystal Lake Cemetery in the Township of Dayton, Waupaca County, WI. Friends may call at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca on Tuesday evening from 4:00 – 8:00 PM, and at the church on Wednesday one hour prior to the funeral service. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in the name of Ruth H. Stearns. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca, WI is assisting the funeral Home with arrangements.

Ruth Stearns

June 17, 1914 - January 22, 2005