Ruth J. (Rowley) Rostowfske

Ruth J. Rostowfske (nee Rowley), age 90 passed away peacefully with her loving son Brad and daughter-in-law Catherine (aka Gus) Reilly by her bedside on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, at Cedar Community Assisted Living facility in West Bend, WI.

Daughter of Donald and Edna Rowley (Ettinger) of Whitewater, WI.  Ruth was born on February 26, 1933, in Lima WI, and grew up on the family farm near Whitewater.  She attended school in Whitewater and graduated in 1951.  In 1952 she was united in marriage to Donald Rostowfske and had three sons, Bruce (Jackie), Mark (Vicky), and Brad (Cathy aka Gus).

Ruth was an amazing mother, caregiver, and person.  She would do anything for her family and friends.  Raising her three sons was her full-time job.  Since Don worked long hours starting his successful insurance agency (Don & Ted’s Insurance), she often ended up pulling down double duty as homemaker and quarterback for the boys when they wanted to play football.  Besides being there for the family in these many roles, she also put in extra time taking on cost-saving projects like painting the family home, so the family could afford to buy some items like a minibike for her boys.

Later in life when Ruth moved into Stoughton Skaalendal Retirement Community at the age of 60, she became the young neighbor that helped the older residents whenever needed.  As a lifelong dog owner, she started the Pet Lover’s group where anyone that loved pets would meet for lunch and share stories of life and their love for their furry children.

Ruth was in charge of her life until her final moment on this earth.  She didn’t want to be a burden on anyone.  Luckily, she was such a great mother that her son Brad and his loving family wife Cathy (aka Gus), Dana & James and Laura & Ivan took over her care plan and executed it beyond all her expectations.  In her final days she told Brad, “We had a great run.  I love you and your family so much! Gussy, Dana, James, Laura and Ivan have been a blessing, and you are going to do great things with your lives”.

Those Ruth leaves behind to cherish her memory include her loving son Brad and Catherine Reilly, son’s Mark and Vicky Short-Rostowfske and Bruce and Jackie Rostowfske; her loving granddaughters, Dana (James Farce) Rostowfske and Laura (Ivan Minguez Guillem) Rostowfske Reilly, granddaughter, Christine (Drew) Mahoney; grandsons, Luke (Melissa), John (Sarah), Matt (Alesandra), and Kyle (Nikki) Rostowfske; twelve great children; sister-in-law Marion Pontel, eight nieces and nephews, especially Mike McNaughton and Lora Wuttke (nee McNaughton), other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Edna and Donald Rowley; sister, Sue McNaughton; and brother, Robert (Bud) Rowley; husband, Donald Rostowfske.

Per Ruth’s request, a private family celebration of life will be held.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to a Humane Society or charity of your choice.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Ruth’s arrangements. Additional information and Tribute Wall may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.