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Lori Erbs
Ruth Erbs
September 7th, 1930 - March 30th, 2021
September 7th, 1930 - March 30th, 2021
For the soul there is neither birth nor death at any time. She has not come into being, does not come into being, and will not come into being. She is unborn, eternal, ever-existing and primeval. She is not slain when the body is slain. [Bhagavad-Gita 2.20]
Ruth Henrietta Erbs, 90, passed away on Tuesday, March 30, 2020 at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Rhinelander. She was born on September 7, 1930 in Tomah to Frederick A. Splittstoesser and Martha Splittstoesser. She was baptized at St Paul Church in Tomah. After graduating from Tomah High School in 1948 she moved to Madison and worked for Eusophi, a medical technology company. On January 13, 1951 she married Harley Orlando Erbs, from Oakdale, and they built a home in Madison. They moved to Iron River, Michigan in 1966 before settling in Rhinelander, Wisconsin in August 1969.
She graduated from Nicolet College & Technical Institute in Rhinelander with an Associate Degree in Accounting, working as an accountant at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rhinelander. She was active in the National Organization for Women, the Unitarian Church, the Institute for Learning in Retirement, X-country skiing, biking and hiking. She was also a dedicated partner and great source of inspiration for husband Harley’s career as Sales Manager for farm and industrial equipment. They had recently celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Martha (1956) and Frederick (1971); brother Don (2002); sister-in-law Clara (2012) and son Steven Harley (2018).
She is survived by husband Harley Orlando Erbs of Rhinelander; her second son Daryl (Jackie) Erbs of Tarpon Springs, FL; daughter Lori Erbs of Acme, WA and 2 granddaughters (Jessica, Jasmine); grandson (Gregory) and many dear relatives and friends.
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Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Ruth’s life with a heartfelt message.
Dean Spencer
So sorry to hear of this loss. I know that the times our parents (Stan and June) spent with Ruth and Harley were among the happiest times of those years, and certainly the times Neil and Chris and I spent with Steve and Daryl and Lori, at Hagerman Lake and in Rhinelander, were among the most joyous parts of our childhood. I remember Ruth as a resourceful and patient parent, someone that all of us looked up to. I remember being sad when you all moved up to Hagerman Lake, then so excited that we'd be able to see you and stay with you up there. We always ate so well, on New Year's Eve, on camping trips, and everywhere else. We always knew we would be welcomed graciously whenever we arrived, and that whatever mischief we had gotten into we'd be met with fairness and understanding ... as well as a clear message of where we had fallen short and how we could do better next time. We're all richer and better people for having known her.
Chris Trembath
Sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. She was a wonderful woman and a great neighbor. My condolences to Harley, Daryl, and Lori.
Bonnie Wilcox
I have known Ruth and Harley for many years having lived close to them back in the day. When my children were very little we moved away from the area and had not seen them for many years. I had gotten a phone call last Fall from Lori who was looking for someone to clean for her Mom and Dad who had moved to an apartment complex after selling their Pine Lake home. A neighbor who she knew and who knew me, had told Lori that I did cleaning for others and that I may be of help to them.. That started re-connection with Harley and Ruth. I agreed to help them out and did so until the time of her death. Ruth, who still had a very sharp memory, remembered me and my children. We had such wonderful talks, laughs and even cries together. Even though she was blind, she got around in her apartment so well and believe it or not, would even ride her treadmill. She was a wonderful person. She and Harley always told me that I was like part of their family as I did a lot more for them than just cleaning their apartment. I actually felt like a part of their family. I am going to miss her so much. Sometimes she would have Harley call me just she could hear my voice. She was such a trooper! I will miss her and think of her often.
Margaret Baker
She will be remembered as we worked with NOW for the right of Women to vote, etc in the early 1980's. I also knew her from attending Nicolet, too. We also met at local concerts at the high school. Margaret (Grobe) Baker
Neil Spencer
I was truly saddened to hear of Ruth's passing. When remembering my early life I can't help but think of Ruth, Harley, Steve, Daryl, and Lori as our families explored the forests, streams and lakes of Wisconsin and the UP. When I was a kid kid Ruth always stood for camping and cooking. As I became an adult Ruth represented compassion. If the rest of us could live with just a portion of Ruth's compassion the world would be a much better place. The attached picture is of Ruth and my mother June -- they shared over half a century of friendship. My heartfelt condolences to Harley, Lori, and Daryl.
Lori Erbs
Mom, you were always there for us, and you always will reside within our hearts. I don't think you even understood your full potential, intellect and power. Here are more photos from your wonderful life: http://www.unlimited-resources.com/rutherbs.html
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