Ruth Schwartzlow

Ruth Josephine Schwartzlow, born on March 2, 1938, in West Bend, WI, to Matthias and Viola Mechenich, passed away on April 25, 2025. Ruth was raised in West Bend with her sister, Diane, until she married and eventually moved to Madison. Ruth’s generous heart, devoted faith, and lasting resilience guided her through her life.

Ruth was always a hard worker. After her first job at an ice cream shop, she started her administrative support career in high school when she interned at West Bend Corporation. She went on to excel in various administrative support positions. Notably, she enjoyed her job at Air National Guard and her career at what is now Meriter Hospital. She began her tenure at Meriter with a position in the volunteer coordination office and grew to a patient accounts position in the business office. Ruth retired from Meriter with over 30 years of service.

Ruth married Richard Kirsch in 1956, with whom she had three daughters: Laurie, Lisa, and Lynn. She raised her “3 Ls” with amazing generosity and love. She later married Robert Schwartzlow in 1981 and was a special stepmom to Randy, Debbie, and Brenda, and a fun, supportive “G’ma Ruthie” to her many grandchildren. Family was most important to her. 

Throughout her life, Ruth enjoyed many hobbies and interests. She was an athlete, who nurtured her golf game the longest, and a sports fan in every season. She was a humble card shark, always saying, “You have to have the cards!” to defer credit, but she always had the cards! Ruth loved to dance. She was a music fan of many genres, and enjoyed a trip to Nashville with her daughters in 2022. She also loved her dogs, her plants, her Fritos, and her Milk Duds!

Ruth was an active and beloved part of several communities in her adult life, including the east side neighborhood where she raised her kids; Springbrook in DeForest where she retired; and Noel Manor in Verona where she lived the last three years. She was also a devoted member of her church communities at Saint Dennis, and later at Saint Olaf.

In every area of her life, she built strong relationships. She had an infectious laugh and a kind spirit. Everyone was welcome in her heart (and at her card table). She was a caretaker to many and a friend to all. She was always grateful for and valued her health through her 87 years.

Ruth is survived by her three daughters, Laurie, Lisa, and Lynn (Troy) Kirsch; her stepdaughters, Debbie (Richard) Gore and Brenda Decker; stepdaughter-in-law, Shelly; her grandchildren, Nicole, Kasia, Vincent, Luke, Gavin, Trisha, Amanda, Austin, Maggie, Molly, Ryan, and Miaya; and her three great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Diane Hubanks; her husband, Robert Schwartzlow; and her stepson, Randy Burrington.

A special thanks to Nathan with Agrace and the Meriter Hospital staff, including the doctors, nurses, and CNAs for their compassionate care, and Father John who visited her every day.

A service at Ryan Funeral Home followed by burial at Highland Memory Gardens will be held privately for family, per Ruth's wishes.

The mass being held at St. Olaf Catholic Church in DeForest on Wednesday, May 21, at 8:00 a.m., will be dedicated to Ruth.

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on May 30th at The American Legion, 207 Legion Street in Verona, WI, from 3pm to 7pm. Guests are welcome to join us for food and beverages anytime during the celebration. Ruth’s family looks forward to casually visiting and hearing your favorite memories of Ruth.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dane County Humane Society or Meriter Foundation.

To view her obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625