Erickson Funeral Home
Ruth Ann Gierhart, age 86, of Middleton, passed away on Monday May 20, 2024, after a fierce and courageous battle with Parkinson's. She was born on April 20, 1938, in Argyle, the daughter of Alton and Eva (Nelson) Hermanson.
Ruth was raised on a dairy farm in rural Argyle Wisconsin. She graduated from Argyle High School in 1957. Ruth married the love of her life, Roger Lee Gierhart, on Oct. 1, 1960, at Apple Grove Lutheran Church. They moved to Madison where they raised their two children, Caroline, and Roger.
Ruth had a passion for life and a competitive spirit. She loved to compete with family, friends, or anyone up for the challenge. Ruth was a spectacular bowler, competing at a high level for decades. Ruth rolled two perfect 300 games and was inducted into the Madison Bowlers Hall of Fame. Ruth loved playing cards; Cribbage, Euchre, Bridge, you name it. You better bring your best because she was in it to win it and usually did. Ruth and Roger loved to travel and took many trips with cherished friends and family. From sunup to sundown, Ruth was on the go. Living life to the fullest, never wasting a day.
She is survived by her children, Caroline (Denis) Troia and Roger (Peggy) Gierhart, of Madison; 5 grandchildren, Jennifer and Taylor Troia, Reilly, Rory, and Ryan Gierhart; her sister Reta (John) Kratochvil, brothers Rolyn (Mary) Hermanson, Dorian Hermanson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a brother, four brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law.
Ruth was the center of our family, always present at every event and our loudest cheerleader. Her spunk, tenacity, competitiveness, and humor made her the life of the party, but it was her love for family that was her driving force and truly kept her going. We will miss that love every day but are comforted by the fact that we will carry on her many traditions and because of her, our family bond is strong.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday June 29, 2024, at 3 pm at MIDVALE COMMUNITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4319 Tokay Blvd., in Madison, with the Rev. Katie Baardseth officiating. A private burial will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery in Argyle at a later date. A Visitation will be held on Saturday June 29, 2024, from 2 pm until the time of the service at the church.
The Erickson Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Argyle is serving the family, online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry Mailing address is PO Box 259686, Madison, WI 53725 or by visiting https://svdpmadison.org/donate/
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