Ruth Miriam Mosling Elvig, 88, of Eau Claire, died at Azura Memory Care on May 9, 2016. Ruth graduated with high honors from Oshkosh High school in Oshkosh, WI in 1945. She then went on to the University of Minnesota from where she graduated in 1950 with a BS degree in Nursing, and a certificate of Public Health Nursing. She was an active member of Alpha Omicron Pi, her nursing sorority and the most wonderful group of women and friends. While at the University, Ruth met and fell in love with Burton Lamb Elvig. They were united in marriage September 2, 1950. Ruth, with Burt, raised 5 children through numerous moves across the country. From Houston, to Chicago, to Detroit, and finally back to St. Paul (Afton and New Brighton), Ruth created loving homes in each location. Friends and family were always welcome and treated as best friends. When Burt had the “crazy” idea to start his own business, Abrasive Systems, Ruth was by his side, working endless hours to keep the books, manage the front office, and coordinate support staff. When she resigned from her position in the company after nearly 15 years, she was replaced by 4 people and a computer! She went on to the noble job of being an at-home mom to her older children…a duty she enjoyed more than anything else. Together, Ruth and Burt learned to scuba dive in their 60’s. In their 70’s, the pair learned to fly small airplanes together, even taking a few lessons in mountain flying in Colorado! They were active members in the Washington Island Flying Club and the EAA. They served together in the Naples, FL and Washington Island, WI US Coast Guard Auxiliary. They could often be found on patrol in the waters around Naples and Washington Island, offering assistance to stranded boaters. Ruth created a space for all to enjoy time together - from card games, to church pew giggles, to her hoochie-jigs (and other Ruth-isms), to simply enjoying sitting by the lake, she made everything special. She loved shrimp cocktail at sunset on the beach, proclaiming each sunset better than the last. She baked gingersnaps, granola, and chocolate cake that could rival the best bakers and Burt would often steal the cookies before they had cooled - taking a handful at a time - to which she would say, “Oh Burt!” Ruth was grace. She was humble and loving, compassionate and strong. She was a best friend and fierce protector. She had a heart for charity and a drive for service. For many years she assisted with Habitat for Humanity in Immokalee, FL, as well as the hospice program in Naples, FL. Her gift of connecting to people made her popular in so many circles. She led Bible studies, served on church councils and school committees, and served on many service committees in many communities. She, with Burt, touched lives in countless ways as they gave themselves and their resources freely so others would know some of the joys of life they cherished. Ruth is survived by 4 grateful children, Glenn (Patty Peterson) Elvig, Dave (Robin) Elvig, John (Beth) Elvig, Andrea (Dean) Blosberg and ten grandchildren, Danielle Most, Hans (Sonja) Harlane, Sophie Elvig, Anna Elvig, Gretel Elvig, Lauren Elvig, Caroline Elvig, Jessica Blosberg, Emily Blosberg, and Peter Blosberg. She was preceded in death by her adoring husband Burt, just 79 days before her on February 20 2016. She was also preceded in death by her daughter Laura Louise Elvig Most; and her siblings Margaret Gerlach, John Mosling, Lucille Grams, Donald Mosling, Bernhard Mosling, and Ralph Mosling. A joint memorial service for Ruth and Burt will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 310 Broadway St., Eau Claire, WI. at 3:00 pm, May 27, 2016. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Upper Midwest Chapter of the National MS Society, Habitat for Humanity or the Susan G Komen Foundation.
Service Information
Visitation
Friday, May 27 2016
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
First Congregational United Church of Christ
310 Broadway Street
Eau Claire WI 54703
Memorial ServiceFriday, May 27 2016
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
First Congregational United Church of Christ
310 Broadway Street
Eau Claire WI 54703