Ruth N. Koblitz, age 79, of Merrill, died Sunday, March 16, 2014, at Woodland Court Elder Services, Merrill, under the care of her family, hospice, and the Woodland Court staff.
Ruth was born Feb. 11, 1935, in Stanley, WI, daughter of the late Harry and Lillian (Lein) Manley. She married James A. Koblitz on Dec. 21, 1963. He preceded her in death on Aug. 5, 2011.
Ruth graduated from high school in Eau Claire and later graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. She spent a total of 38 years as an elementary school teacher. From 1992 until 2007, she was a substitute teacher with the Merrill Area Public Schools. After retirement, Ruth enjoyed traveling with her husband, and doing “crafts.” Volunteering her time was very important to Ruth. She was a member of the “Red Hat Club,” served as a docent at the Merrill Historical Museum and also helped coordinate their annual Ice Cream Social. Ruth would assist the Salvation Army as a bell ringer during the Christmas season. She was a former Girl Scout leader. For five years Ruth taught church summer school. She worked at the Merrill Food Pantry, and assisted with the Merrill Flower Beds project. Ruth would read for the Merrill Head Start Project. She was a member of both the Retired Teacher Association, and the Merrill Artist Association.
Survivors include three sons, Tom (Kay) Koblitz, and Peter (Renae) Koblitz, both of Merrill, and Daniel Koblitz, Virginia Beach, VA, currently attending Regent University; one grandson, Alex; five step grandchildren, Bryan, Kyle, Hayley, Missi, and Tony; and a sister in law, Gloria Manley, Oswego, IL. Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Jim Koblitz, and also by her brother, John Manley.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 20, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. Pastor Missy Holdorf will officiate. Burial will take place later this spring in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 10 a.m. Thursday at the church.
The Koblitz Family suggests that memorials be directed to Retired Teachers Association Scholarship Fund, the Merrill Historical Society, or St. Stephens United Church of Christ.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.