Ruth Jeanette (Krupke) Winter, 91, passed away October 13, 2018, at Stephenson Nursing Center. Ruth was born October 5, 1927, daughter of Herman and Minnie (Engebretson) Krupke, graduated from South Wayne High School in 1945, and married Orville B. Winter April 12, 1946, at St. Paul's UCC, Wayne Township, South Wayne, WI. Ruth and Orville began and ended their farming career on his parent's farm between Warren and Winslow, IL. Ruth could be found outside milking cows, taking care of chickens, tending the garden, along with being the organist at St. Paul's UCC for many years. Ruth was active in Stephenson County Extension as a member of Winslow Unit and held several officer positions. She was also the secretary for the County Extension for many years. Along with Extension, Ruth was active in the Warren United Methodist Church and the Warren United Methodist Women serving in many capacities including president of the UMW, president of Mary Martha Circle, and a leader of the Le-Aqua-Na Workers 4-H Club. Playing cards, bridge, euchre, 500, was also a favorite pastime. She was a member of Nora Friendly Aid, Birthday Club, Warren Women's Club, among others.

Even with her activities, family was important to her. Ruth and Orville traveled visiting their daughter, Barbara, in many locations including Germany and Korea. Ruth and Orville were the parents of the late Duane Winter, Barbara (Berry) Dunbar of Locust Grove, VA, Wes (Connie) Winter of Winslow, IL, Joan (John) Miller of Gratiot, WI, and Ann (Brian) Laing of Thornton, CO; grandchildren Cory Winter, Cullan (Melinda) Winter, MaRae (Bobby) Owens, John (Aleta) Dunbar, Aaron (Steva) Miller, Andrew (Larissa) Miller, Kimberly (Dean) Redington, Heather Laing, and Daniel (Stephanie) Laing; also 11 great-grandchildren.

Ruth is predeceased by her parents, husband Orville in 1993, son Duane in 2017, two grandsons, and two brothers Donald and Gerald, and their wives.

Ruth will be remembered by her grandchildren for her black raspberry jam, watermelon pickles, divinity, and attending many of their activities.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 on Friday, October 19, 2018 at the Warren United Methodist Church in Warren.

A visitation will be from 4-7:00 PM on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren, and again from 9:00 until time of services at the church on Friday.

Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Warren.

Pastor Roger Bronkema will officiate the service.

A memorial has been established in her name.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.