Ruth Elaine (Reinke) McHan

Ruth Elaine McHan, 83 passed away in her home peacefully on Friday, October 5 after struggling with kidney cancer.  She was born, April 30, 1935 daughter of the late Harold and Esther (Erickson) Reinke in Shawano County, Town of Lessor.   There was a bad snowstorm that day and the doctor almost didn’t make it to the house in time for her birth.  She attended Seymour High School Class of 53.  She has attended almost every of her class reunions and has remained close to many of her classmates over the years.  She married Robert Klarner in 1954 with whom she had two children.  She later married Norman McHan to whom she was happily married for over twenty years.  She lovingly cared for him until his death after he suffered several strokes.  She later met Jim Stephany who became her life partner.  They only had 5 short years together and she spent the last year of his life nursing him thru cancer until his death. 

Ruth worked at Butte Des Morts Country Club, The Elks Club, Martines and the Green Mill.  She was often referred to as the “hostess with the mostest”.  She became volunteer coordinator at Theda Clark hospital where she received several awards for the numerous hours she logged.  Ruth belonged to many card clubs playing Sheepshead at the Brigade, Festival Foods, St. Therese and the Legion.  She held many positions on her condo board. Most of all, Ruth loved people.  She had friends from childhood, ones she had just met and everywhere in between.  A common refrain heard from her is “I think I know that person” and indeed she did.  Upon her first time visiting Aruba, Mexico and Orange Beach, Florida she ran into people she knew.

She is survived by her two children: son Ross (Lynda) Klarner, Manchester, MO and  daughter, Crystal (Michael) Koehn, Freedom Wisconsin;  four grandchildren: Andrea (Aaron) Patton, Pacific, MO., Brooke (John) Garner, DeSoto, MO., Richard (Katie) Klarner, St. Peters, MO, and Nicholas Koehn, Freedom, WI.  Six great grandchildren:  Austin and Kevin Garner, and Alison, Emma, Megan and Julie Patton.  She was very excited about the upcoming birth of another great grandchild from Richard and Katie. 

Many friends and neighbors helped Ruth during her illness but her niece Carrie Gorges never let a week pass without a phone call or some kind gesture to her aunt.  A special thank you to her neighbor and dear friend Harriett Gillespie for the loving care she gave Ruth and support she offered Crystal the night of Ruth’s death.  She was further preceded in death by her sister Joann Hein.

A Celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on Saturday October 13, 2018 at VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, beginning at 2:00 until 6:00 PM.

Ruth’s family would like to thank Theda Care Hospice Service for the wonderful support and profound kindness they showed Ruth and her family.

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