home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Ruth was born on Sept. 9, 1941 in Patterson, N.J. to the late Lester and Marian Kusant.
Ruth worked as a registered x-ray technician. In 1987, she started Ruth’s Cleaning Service, which specialized in cleaning residential homes and commercial businesses. She enjoyed puzzles, gardening, reading, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, drinking Alabama slammers and being the owner of potentially the world’s largest Christmas village! She also collected antiques, especially Bessie Pease Baby Art.
Ruth is survived by her children, Lester (Julie) Gaunt of Pardeeville, Jodi (Joe) Spangberg and Brian Gaunt, all of Wausau, Barbara (Kevin Krueger) of Washington Island; grandchildren, James (Trina) Gaunt, Amber (Tony) Navone, Justin (Stephanie) Gaunt, Zachary and Isaac (Laura) Comfort and Ellie, Bennett and Mason Isaacson; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Olivia, Dominic, Donovan, Viola and one on the way; and brother, Thomas (Merry) Kusant of Bemidji, Minn.
In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by an infant son, Bruce Wayne; and sister, Barbara (John) Zester Jr.
Memorial donations in honor of Ruth can be given to her family for designation at a later date. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.
