Ruth Elaine Bridges, 86, of Eau Claire, died Thursday, March 23, 2017, at her home with family by her side. Ruth was born in Eau Claire on August 24, 1930, the daughter of Albert and Mildered (Jacobs) Roach. She attended St. Patrick's High School in Eau Claire, and on September 27, 1952, Ruth married Benjamin Zachary Bridges, her husband of 60 years, at St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Eau Claire. Ruth was raised, lived her whole life, and passed away in the same home in the Shawtown area of Eau Claire. She enjoyed reminiscing about childhood, playing in the creek and exploring the surrounding woods and fields as they were then. Walking over a mile to and from school, each day provided many adventures during those early years. Ruth and Ben raised seven children and liked taking them on picnics and fishing. They also raised chickens, and spent summers tending and canning the produce from Ben's large vegetable garden. She most enjoyed her flowers and often the house was filled with the smell of fresh cut flowers. Ruth wasn't one to stray far from home, however, she and Ben took several road trips through the years to see relatives and spent a lot of good times with family at cottages in northern, WI. Their home served as a gathering place for many relatives throughout their lives. Ruth will be most remembered for her welcoming home and her dedication to Ben and family. We are thankful for her spirit, listening ear, and endless supply of cookies. Ruth is survived by seven children, Pat Bridges of Mercer, WI, Kay Drivas of Eau Claire, WI, Mary (Don) Prissel of Durand, WI, Paul Bridges of Eau Claire, WI, Timothy Bridges of Eau Claire, WI, Charles (Marijoy) Bridges of Chippewa Falls, WI, and Beth Bridges of Sturgis, SD; seven grandchildren, Sarah (Marc) Julien, Isaac Brantner, Audrey (Anthony) Beasley, Kelly (Brad) Edington, Laura (Jeff) Small, Maria Kopecky and Zachary Bridges; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Tom Roach; and a sister, Darlene (Roach) Rafferty. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ben Z. Bridges; two brothers, Jim and Jerry Roach, and two sisters, Lorraine (Roach) Ketterer and Norma Mae "Min" (Roach) Severson. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2017, at the WEST CHAPEL location of Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave. in Eau Claire. Burial will take place at a later date in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Eau Claire.

Service Information

Cemetery

St. Patrick's Cemetery 2000 Omaha Street Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Thursday, March 30 2017 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel 1405 North Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Prayer Service

Thursday, March 30 2017 7:00 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel 1405 North Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703