MADISON - Ruth Esther (Maurer) Heins entered eternal life on Sept. 12, 2024. She touched many lives during her nearly 97 years. You may remember her as the "Lady in Red" at Cuna Mutual functions, the Clinique consultant at Gimbels in Hilldale, the cruise consultant at Rhodes Travel, a charter member at Hill Farm Swimming Pool, or longstanding member and friend at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church; but we knew her as Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma.

Ruth was born on Oct. 18, 1927, in Monroe Wis., to Casper and Margaret (Bürgin) Maurer. One of seven children, Ruth grew up during the Great Depression on a farm in South Wayne. She graduated as valedictorian from South Wayne High School, and continued her education in Platteville, to become a teacher. It was in Platteville that she met the love of her life, Richard Heins, in an early morning English class the first week. He said he noticed her rosy cheeks and bright eyes so early in the morning. Ruth's first teaching job was in rural New Glarus at a one-room school with 15 kids in grades one through eight. She later taught at Lowell School and she was always a teacher at heart.

Ruth and Dick were married on June 24, 1950, in Wiota, Wis. After early years in Madison, they moved to Los Angeles where Dick taught at UCLA, and later returned to Madison for Dick to teach at the University of Wisconsin. During these years Ruth and Dick were blessed with four children: Sherie, Debbie, Sue and Tammy, and later with 10 grandchildren and, at last count, 13 great-grandchildren.

During their 63 years of marriage, Ruth and Dick enjoyed a wide range of travels together. Many being through his work but also including family cruises, Rose Bowl games, Door County reunions, meeting with Poland's Lech Walesa, an audience with Pope John Paul Il, and many more adventures.

Ruth lived life with vigor and enthusiasm. She was a friend to many, easy to know, and straightforward with her preferences. You always knew where she stood. Ruth was an avid sports fan, and we learned to not call her during a close Brewers game. She was a woman of action, and she would see that things got done. A fervent gardener, Ruth kept a close watch on the progress of her zinnias and yellow beans at her community garden patch. She was still living at home alone with her cat, Picasso, driving, swimming, and playing with her great-grandkids at 96. She liked her tea HOT (not lukewarm), her favorite color was RED and she was proud of her Swiss heritage. But most of all she loved her family, friends and her Lord Jesus. During her last week on this earth, she recited sections of the Lord's Prayer and her favorite hymns and told everyone that she was ready to go home to heaven.

Survivors include Ruth and Dick's four daughters and their spouses, Sherie (Jon Orvold) Karow, Debbie (Mike) Lenser, Sue (Bruce) Case and Tammy (Ned) Paschke; ten grandchildren, Sara Rowe, Amber Karow, Brandon Karow, Brenda Garrison, Alex Paschke, Anna Schloesser, Daniel Paschke, Bryan Case, Aaron Paschke and Paul Lenser and their spouses; and 13 great-grandchildren. Also surviving Ruth are her sisters, Joan Combs and Emily Lee; brother, Will (Kathy) Maurer; and numerous nephews and nieces. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dick; in-laws, Amos and Adele Heins; brother, Emil (Jackie) Maurer; sisters, Marge (Jim) Quartuccio and Rosemary (Bruce) Ehr; and brothers-in-law, Erv Lee, Orbin Combs and Robert (Chris) Heins.

A funeral service will be held at OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1701 McKenna Blvd., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, with Pastor Philip Moldenhauer presiding. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery following the luncheon after the service.

Memorials may be made in Ruth’s name to a charity of your choice or to:

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

1701 McKenna Blvd.

Madison, WI  53711

Wisconsin Alzheimer Disease Research (in memory of her husband and two sisters)

https://www.adrc.wisc.edu/give

Dane County Humane Society

https://www.giveshelter.org/

Special thanks to friends Denise Skewes, Nancy Wyngaard, Tis Bauer, and the many others for their special kindnesses and care in the last few years.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761