Ruth A. Lewis, age 81, of Hudson WI, died on February 26, 2022 at home surrounded by her family.

Ruth was born on April 26, 1940 to Gerhardt and Violet (Karnitz) Kerkow in Jordan, MN. She graduated high school in Jordan and later moved to Hudson, WI, where she was united in marriage to Charles (Chuck) Lewis on August 21, 1965 at Bethel Lutheran Church – Downtown Campus. Their marriage was blessed with 3 children: John, Charlene, Jeffery.

Ruth was passionate about her flower and vegetable gardens, and would regularly freeze and can the fruits of her labor. She also loved to cook and was known for her rolls and bread and butter pickles. She cherished time spent traveling and camping with her family, seeing at least 38 states together with Chuck in their motorhome. Her and her family often fished together on the Willow River, and at the end of the day had an assembly line for cleaning the days catch. Ruth was a dedicated member of Bethel Lutheran Church, volunteering often with home meals, teaching Sunday School, and taking part in the women’s quilting group as well as many other circles. Ruth also ran two businesses of her own including an in-home day care as well as being an Avon representative. She had a caring heart for the homeless and often worked at the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul as an ambassador. Ruth and Chuck were also named Volunteers of the Year for their dedicated work in the community. On her own, she followed in the footsteps of her mother and cleaned homes for several people. She also would spend her time waitressing at the Hudson Harbor and the Badger Room. Ruth was very thoughtful and never missed sending a card to her family and friends on special occasions.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Charles; children, Charlene Wisti and Jeffery (Kimberly) Lewis; grandchildren: Mallory and Melanie Lewis, Derek and Cameron Wisti, and Cadence and Braden Lewis; daughter-in-law, Angela Lewis; and siblings, David Kerkow and Gary (Shirley) Kerkow.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Gerhardt and Violet Kerkow; beloved son, John Lewis; brother, Ronald Kerkow; sisters-in-law, Sue and Judy Kerkow; and son-in-law, John Wisti.

Gathering of Family and Friends was held on March 19, 2022 from 4-7pm at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson WI.

Memorial Service will be held on May 14, 2022 at 1:00p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church – Highlands Campus, 504 Frontage Rd., Hudson with a gathering held one hour prior to the service at church. Interment at the Bethel Lutheran Church Memorial Garden.