Ruth Irene Kaiser, 89, of Freeport, died Monday, August 17, 2009 at Manor Court. Born April 25, 1920 in Upland, Indiana, she was the daughter of Herschel and Hazel (Carroll) Stoke. She married Raymond C. Kaiser in 1940, and they were married for more than 66 years prior to his death in 2007. The two of them were co-owners, along with other family members, of the Union Dairy of Freeport, founded by Mr. Kaiser's father in 1919.
Ruth Irene was a woman of many talents. As a college student , she performed as a singer and dancer in the University of Wisconsin's musical theater. She was a life-long (or long-time) member of Embury United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir for many years. She was well-known in the Freeport area for her interior decorating abilities, and many examples of her eye for beauty and design still exist in and around Freeport. She was an avid golfer and the winner of a number of women's tournaments at the Freeport Country Club where she and her husband were members for over 60 years. She played golf until her health began to decline, but even towards the end of her playing days, she was able to beat most of her competitors, including some men. Another of her favorite activities was bridge, and she continued to play, and win, regularly into her 80's.
Among her many accomplishments none was more important to her than the care she gave her husband and 4 sons. Even while raising 4 boys whose ages ranged 14 years between the oldest and youngest, she was always a lady, well-dressed and not a hair out of place. She was an inspiration to her daughters-in-law who admired her for her ability to multi-task at so many levels at one time and still look good! She was an exceptional mother-in-law who never offered an opinion on her children's lives unless asked. She was very proud of her sons and their accomplishments.
Surviving are her children Dr. Rod (Pam) Kaiser, Santa Cruz, CA; Greg A. (Helen) Kaiser, Beloit, WI; Dennis L. (Holly) Kaiser, East Sandwich, MA; and Randall C. (Sue) Kaiser, Hampton, IL; brother, H. Randall (Marilyn) Stoke, Del Mar, CA; 7 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and 1 sister.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 21 at Walker Mortuary, 321 W.Main Freeport, with interment of her cremains to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Donations may be made in her name to Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl city Rd. Freeport, Illinois 61032
Ruth's family invites friends to extend condolences, share a memory, light a candle or share a caring heart in her honor at: www.walkermortuary.com