Ruth L. Dunn
POYNETTE – Ruth L. Dunn passed away on February 24, 2025, after an extended illness. She was born in 1938, a conscientious middle child to Jim and Delia (Lynch) Williams of Madison, Wisconsin. She graduated from East High and later from St. Mary’s School of Nursing. While bowling with mutual friends, she met Gordon Dunn; they married at St. Bernard’s Church in 1965.
A registered nurse (RN), Ruth devoted her entire professional career to the newborn nursery unit of St. Mary’s Hospital. She was also active in the parents’ club of her children’s elementary school and served as a library board representative on behalf of her township.
In retirement, she was an active member of the Poynette Area Historical Society, serving four years as its president. As an avid family historian and proud of her Irish and Scots heritage, she enjoyed several trips to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and, memorably, too, to France with her grandparents and aunt.
Friends and family speak of her keen intellect, her voracious reading interests from mystery fiction to history and current events, and her confident execution of any crossword puzzle (completed in pen, seldom pencil).
Ruth is survived by husband, Gordon; daughter, Karen (Patrick Strabala); son, Bill (Vicki); grandchildren, Kara and Grey; sister-in-law, Margaret Solheim; nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Jim and Dee; brother and sister-in-law, Leroy and Marcia Williams; sister and brother-in-law, Mary and John Dushack; and brother-in-law, Keith Solheim.
The family expresses its gratitude to the current and former staff of Aster Senior Communities and St. Mary’s Care Center. The work of these staff is seldom easy and so very essential. The family also thanks those who continued to ask about Ruth during her many years in care; your messages of kind regard have been deeply appreciated.
Memorials can be made to the Poynette Area Historical Society (PO Box 162, Poynette, WI 53955) or to the Poynette Area Public Library (118 N, Main St, Poynette, WI 53955).
Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life, June 7, 2025 (1:00-5:00 PM) at the Arlington Community Center (200 Commercial Street, Arlington, WI).
The Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Poynette, is assisting the family.
