Ruth E. Barnes, age 97 of New Lisbon passed away on Sunday June 18, 2017 at Tomah Memorial Hospital.

She was born on November 11, 1919 in Chicago, IL to Charles and Anna (Tomaski) Ditkus.  She grew up to young adulthood in Chicago.  In the late 1930’s she moved to New Lisbon.  On April 7, 1939, she was united in marriage to Victor Hansen at Dubuque, IA.  They farmed in the Town of Fountain until Victor passed away in May 1969.  Victor also worked for the Milwaukee Road railroad.  To this union a daughter Patricia was born in June of 1943.

On July 21, 1970, Ruth was united in marriage to William M. Barnes at Elroy, WI.  They farmed in the Town of Fountain until 1989 when they retired from farming and moved to the Town of Shelby near La Crosse.  William passed away June 16, 1996 at La Crosse.

Ruth moved to the Town of Fountain in 2003 where she resided with her daughter and son-in-law Richard and Pat Dahlke.  On December 1, 2016, she was admitted to Crest View Nursing Home, in New Lisbon, WI.  She was transferred to the Tomah Memorial Hospital on Saturday June 17, 2017.

She enjoyed her time with grandchildren, great grandchildren, church activities, and the quiet life at home.  Ruth also enjoyed ceramics, and china painting and gardening when she was able.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Patricia (Richard) Dahlke of New Lisbon, Grandchildren, Kyle (Lori) Dahlke, Heather (Doug) Pollesch, and Cam (Jill) Dahlke, step Grandchildren, Mark (Elley) Dahlke, Dawn (Bob) Seep, and Scott Dahlke, 11 Great-grandchildren and 5 great great- grandchildren, 7 step great-grandchildren and 1 great great step grandchild.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday June 21, 2017 at 10:30a.m. at St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (208 Allen Rd.) in New Lisbon, with Pastor Joel Free officiating.  Interment will follow in the Brewster Cemetery in the Town of Fountain.  The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with services.  Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com

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