Elizabeth Ruth Freeman

Elizabeth Ruth Freeman, 87, daughter of the late Frederic Johnson and Carolene Waskow, passed away on Sunday July 20th, 2014 at her home in Victor surrounded by family. Ruth was born on May 31st, 1927, in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.

Ruth grew up in Two Rivers and graduated from Two Rivers High School in 1945. After high school, she attended Milwaukee State Teachers College where she earned her teaching certificate. While attending college she met her life partner James Freeman. They were married on March 28th, 1951 in Shorewood, Wisconsin.

Their lifetime of adventure began in Houghton, Michigan where Jim completed his degree in Forestry. Upon his graduation, they moved to Idaho and began their life of adventure with the US Forest Service. This led to several moves over the years and across the United States. Stops included: Grangeville, Idaho; Riggings, Idaho; Dixie, Idaho; Slate Creek Ranger Station; Kalispell, Montana; Missoula, Montana; Washington D.C. and finally Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Ruth and Jim enjoyed the first year of their retirement by traveling across the U.S. They chose to settle down in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana. Ruth enjoyed retirement life by staying active with several community organizations which included: Forest Service Retirees, National Museum of Forest Service History, and the Bitterroot Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D). Ruth enjoyed sewing, cross stitching and knitting which earned several blue ribbons at the county fair. She also enjoyed doing yard work around the homestead, expanding the family history spending many years researching its genealogy, scrap booking, and keeping her widespread family connected through weekly letters and emails.

Ruth is survived by six children: Jane E. Freeman (Denver, CO), James H. Freeman (Elko, NV), Jill A. and Jay Kvasnicka (Muskego, WI), Jody K. and John Schroder (Colgate, WI), JacLyn and Lelan Butler (Gainesville, VA), and John H. Freeman (Las Vegas, NV). Grandchildren include Jacki Jo, James H. III, Jeffrey, Jennifer, John E., Jannelle, Julia, Jordan, Jamie, Jenna and Jayden: and six great-grandchildren. Ruth will also be deeply missed by her faithful furry friend, Buddy and her feathered friend, Barney.

Ruth is now reunited with her husband Jim of 61 years, family, and many faithful furry friends in eternal life. Please remember her with smiles, laughter, and joyful memories. Words can not describe how full of life and what a wonderful person she was.

The family plans a small gathering later this summer to celebrate her life.

Final arrangements were coordinated by Daly Leach Chapel in Hamilton.