Ruth E. Laubenstein, (nee Murray), age 80, of the town of Farmington, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2009 at the Cedar Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center in Cedarburg.
She was born on November 18, 1928 on the family homestead in the town of Farmington to the late Roy and Rose (nee Stern) Murray. Ruth attended the West Bend High School and graduated in 1948. Shortly after her high school graduation she met her future husband Victor Laubenstein while playing the accordion with her cousin in the group the "Accordioneers". Shortly after, she joined Victor's Polka Band "Vic's Melody Aces". Ruth and Victor were united in marriage on November 5, 1949 at 5th Ave. United Methodist Church in West Bend. After their first child was born, Ruth left the band and helped her husband run the family farm from 1950 until their retirement in 1983. Victor preceded Ruth in death on July 1, 2000 at the age of 82.
Ruth was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Fredonia. She especially enjoyed reading novels and was an avid sports fan who loved following the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers on the radio or watching them on TV. Ruth was gifted at cooking and baking and enjoyed countless hours passing her gift on to her children.
Ruth is survived by her five children, Dennis Laubenstein of West Bend, David Laubenstein of St. Cloud, FL, Wayne Laubenstein of West Bend, Carol (Craig) Larsen of Sheboygan, and Carl Laubenstein of West Bend. She is further survived by her four grandchildren, Rodney (Erin) Patterson, Shawn Laubenstein, Tracy Laubenstein, and Justin Larsen; 2 great-grandchildren; and a brother Robert "Bob" Murray of West Bend.
A funeral service in honor of Ruth will be held on Wednesday, March 25, at 11:00 am, St. John's Lutheran Church (824 Fredonia Ave. Fredonia). Rev. Zick will officiate and burial will follow in St. John's Church Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 24, at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home (1315 W. Washington St. West Bend) from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Visitation will also be on Wednesday, at the church, from 10:00 am until the time of service.
Memorials to St. John's Lutheran Church, Fredonia, would be greatly appreciated by the family.