Ruth A. Becker, age 92, of Hudson WI and formerly of Mendota IL, died on Saturday morning, July 26, 2014, at the Christian Community Home in Hudson, one day before her 93rd birthday. Ruth was born July 27, 1921, in Compton IL to William and Lena (Schmidt) Florschuetz. Ruth grew up and attended school in Compton and Amboy and graduated from Amboy High School. Ruth married Waldemar G. Radtke in 1946. Wallie preceded her in death early in their marriage, and Ruth raised their three children on her own. She married Harold “Tuffy” Becker of LaMoille IL in 1974. Ruth relocated to Hudson WI in 1998 to be closer to family.

Ruth’s large extended family was the focus of her life. Her home was open and welcoming to everyone. Ruth enjoyed sewing, gardening, collecting and selling antiques, and she was active in her church. She had a zest for life. She loved to dance and played a mean game of cribbage, 500 or euchre. Ruth’s spirit of adventure led her to take her three young children camping out west and later to travel worldwide with Tuffy. Everyone who knew her recognized her strength, resourcefulness and sense of humor.

Ruth is survived by her children Susan (Erich) Radtke Eipert, Natalie (John Wise) Radtke and David Wallie (Melva) Radtke; grandchildren Bryce (Shino Harada) Eipert, Annaliese (Todd Miller) Eipert, Devon Radtke, Tristan Radtke and Damien Radtke; great-grandchildren Angelo Eipert and Enzo Eipert; many step-children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren from the Becker side of the family; as well as sisters-in-law and many nieces, nephews and friends. Ruth was preceded in death by husband Wallie Radtke, husband Harold “Tuffy” Becker, siblings Elva Bauer, Edgar Florschuetz, Amanda Stuepfert, Olga Stuepfert, Gladys Zimmerman, Bill Florschuetz, and Mildred Baker.

A Celebration of Life Service for Ruth Becker will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, August 2, 2014, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 607 10th Avenue in Mendota IL. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. A private burial will take place at the Restland Cemetery in Mendota. Memorials honoring Ruth may be directed to St. Croix Emergency Medical Services in Hudson WI or the American Red Cross.