Ruth McEvoy, 85, of Wausau, left this life on Friday, February 15, 2008 at Colonial Manor Rehabilitation Center under the care of Comfort Care Hospice, and entered into eternal life with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Ruth Bertha Hansen was born on June 21, 1922 in Phelps, WI to the late Albert D. and Ruth (Balke) Hansen. She graduated from Phelps High School and later met Richard McEvoy. Ruth and Richard were united in marriage on July 1, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois. The family lived in Elgin, IL for thirty years before Richard's retirement, and the couple moved to Wausau and have stayed ever since. Richard and Ruth celebrated sixty-three wonderful years together prior to her passing.
Ruth's faith, family, and friends were of most importance to her. Her acceptance of Jesus Christ as her Savior influenced all that she did in life. She and Richard raised three children, and in later years delighted in spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Throughout her life, Ruth was a mother, always being there for her children and grandchildren. An exceptional homemaker and cook, she continuously used her gift of hospitality in her home. She worked in the Elgin school lunch program and catered large events. She led ladies' Bible studies and was an avid supporter of missionaries. She was active in Homemakers Club and Women's Missionary Society. Particularly in her later years, she became a great prayer warrior, praying daily by name for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many others.
Survivors include her beloved husband, Richard of Wausau; son, Henry (Jan) McEvoy of Phelps, WI; daughter, Patricia (Richard) Worden of Moedling, Austria; son, Richard (Kathleen) McEvoy of Wausau; eleven grandchildren, Jeff McEvoy, Jason McEvoy, Gretchen (Eric) Ulferts, Jennie (Lance) Kelly, Hannah (fiancAC., Sam Reyes) McEvoy, William (Kim) Worden, Jonathan (Michelle) Worden, Suzanne Worden, R. Steven (Debbie) McEvoy, Kirstin McEvoy, and Benjamin (Megan) McEvoy; twelve great-grandchildren; sister, Ethel (Tom) Rail; brother, David (Betty) Hansen; sister-in-law, Isabelle O?Connell; and brother-in-law, Jack Blachley.
There will be a memorial service at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 22, 2008 at Immanuel Baptist Church, 5100 Hummingbird Road, in Wausau. Dr. James F. Engle, pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church, will be officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 22, 2008 at the church and continue until the time of services. You may sign our guestbook at www.helke.com.
Memorials may be given to Immanuel Baptist Church or to the following missionaries: A.B.W.E. (Carolee Graf), Paraclete (Wordens), Wycliffe Bible Translators (McEvoys).