Ruth G. Byers, 77, died due to complications from surgery early March 20, 2008 at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints, with family by her side. She was born May 13, 1930 in Randolph, Vermont to Jeff Gottshall of Pennsylvania and Miriam Angell Gottshall of Vermont. Ruth graduated from Cornell University, Class of 1950, with a bachelor’s degree in home economics. In 1951, Ruth married her college sweetheart, Donald K. Byers and moved to East Aurora, New York where she taught home economics until they started a family. Ruth, Don and their sons Jeff, Dave & Ed came to Racine, WI in 1969 as the result of a job transfer through the J. I. Case Company, where Don was employed as Sales Manager. After the death of her husband, due to a long illness in 1973, Ruth began what would be a wonderful career in Real Estate; first as an agent and manager for Heritage Realty and later as a home designer and custom builder as co-owner of Markway Homes. She retired in 1995 and continued to volunteer in the community, most recently with Kiwanis. She explored the history of Europe through travel, and especially loved her trips to Italy. Ruthie loved to cook and entertain, sew, quilt, laugh and play cards. She also always loved a bargain. Ruthie loved to read and look up facts in her World Almanac. She was happiest sitting at her kitchen table, plotting out her latest travel adventure or kitchen design. Ruthie loved her family and friends deeply. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know her. She will live on in the spirit and lives of her beloved sons, Jeff Byers of San Diego, Dave Byers of Seattle and Ed Byers of Sturgis, SD; granddaughters, Alyssa and T-Anne Byers of Springfield, MO; her sister and best friend, Hannah (Rich) Wosilait; niece, Amanda (Mark) Paffrath, and their children, Wesley and Nohra. She will be especially missed by her little dog and companion Andy. Ruthie was also preceded in death by her beloved dog, Willie. Friends may visit with the family in celebration of Ruthie’s life on March 25, 2008 from 5-8pm at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Countryside Humane Society, Hope Safehouse or the Racine Public Library.
Cathy Nielsen McDowell says
I first met the Byers in 1969 when Don hired me as his secretary (my first job!) In addition, I became a babysitter and a housesitter for them. After Don died, I continued to meet up with Ruth periodically throughout the years. She was a very special person, always quick with a smile. I enjoyed our many conversations. Knowing her has always been a pleasure! My sincere sympathy to her children and especially to her sister Hannah, who I learned was as much fun to know as Ruth was!