Ruth L. Fransen, age 93 of Pensacola, FL, formerly of Freeport, IL, passed away at home on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. She was born June 5, 1930 in Forreston, IL; the daughter of the late Ollie and Alice (Kness) Buisker. She was a graduate of Shannon High School in Shannon, IL. Ruth married Lawrence L. Fransen on June 2, 1949; he passed in 1981. She later met her life partner Richard Thielen who passed in 2018.

She had worked for MicroSwitch for 24.5 years, retiring in 1990 and for Burgess Battery for 8 years before that. Her memberships included the Moose Lodge, Eagles Club, and Elks Lodge all of Freeport.

Ruth and Dick enjoyed traveling together, vacationing to Florida every year and going on cruises. She also enjoyed dancing and being outside with nature. She loved her dog, Snowball, who was always by her side. She was a joy to be around and always made those around her feel special. Through her compliments and gracious personality, she was able to make you feel like you were the most important person in the world to her.

She is survived by her son, Allan (Patricia) Fransen of Florida; daughter-in-laws, Bonnie Salzmau-Fransen of Freeport and Mary Fransen of Freeport; 6 grandchildren; and 16 great grandchildren; and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lawrence; life partner, Richard Thielen; sons, Russell and LaVerne; 1 sister; 2 brother; and 1 infant brother.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Walker Mortuary in Freeport with a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM also at Walker Mortuary. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport.  Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.