Beverly Fruth

Beverly Beatrice (Bannister) Fruth, age 92, died peacefully on December 12, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. She was born February 7, 1930 in Fargo, ND to Josephine (Gabriel) Bannister and William Frank Bannister. Bev was the third of three children including Helen and Roy. When she was a toddler, the family moved to Rice Lake, WI where she grew up on a farm. After high school, Bev moved to Milwaukee to live and work. She subsequently moved to Madison where she worked and met Gerald P. Fruth, whom she married in 1953. Together they raised a family of 6 children in Madison. She retired in 1997 from the UW-Madison Women’s Studies Department after a long career as a Program Assistant. She was a committed parishioner of St. James Catholic Church Good Shepherd Parish where she was a member of the Altar Society and participated in many beloved church activities with her “Luncheon Ladies" friends. She also loved rolling pfeffernusse and introduced her children and grandchildren to this simple community joy. Her Catholic faith was a solid foundation in which she found love, meaning, joy, courage and strength in her life. Bev lived near Camp Randall Stadium and the Field House. Deep, enduring friendships were cultivated with cups of coffee at kitchen tables, sink perms, potlucks and neighborhood activities. This close-knit group of young neighborhood mothers supported and loved each other through decades, sharing the joys and sorrows of raising their large families of lively children. UW sporting events and WIAA high school championships livened up many of her weekends. Bev particularly enjoyed the decorated buses and excited enthusiasm of the high school athletes and their families. She especially loved when teams from her childhood hometown, Rice Lake, made it to the finals. Bev and her son formed many friendships with the people who returned year after year to park in her yard. Her mastery in the kitchen was a gift to her family, her neighbors, and to all who were blessed to enjoy her delicious dishes that were generously infused with her love, including those who enjoyed her food and welcoming warmth at Lukehouse where she prepared many meals, volunteered and warmly welcomed everyone who was served at Lukehouse. Bev enjoyed traveling and had many adventures with her sister, children, grandchildren, and friends. She visited many U.S. states and Spain. Some of her favorite travels were to visit her children and grandchildren in Michigan and Hawaii. She also enjoyed a visit to Spain during her daughter’s year abroad as a college student. She is survived by her 5 children, Marilyn (Lee Konrad) and daughters Adriana and Michaela; Susan M. Fruth M.S.W., APSW; Mark Fruth, all of Madison; Margaret (James Marshall III) Fruth Marshall of Holt MI and daughters Alyssa (Josh) Kaiser; Natalie (Ian) Yogus and daughter Roe; Kathleen (Danny) Viernes of Kauai, HI and children Kaitlin, Kendra and Kian; in-law relatives, Joyce Bannister; Marvin and Beatrice Fruth, Josephine (Fruth) Rodgerson; Gail (Fruth) and Richard Bogdanow; many nieces, nephews and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Helen (Harold) Anderson, Roy Bannister and half-brother Edward Bannister; Gerald Fruth and her son John Fruth; in-law Dennis Rodgerson; and other relatives. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Parish at the St. James Church, 1128 St. James Ct, Madison on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. in the church vestibule. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery. We welcome you to join us in mourning and celebration of an extraordinary woman who will live in our hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to Luke House, 310 South Ingersoll St., Madison, WI 53703 or online at www.lukehousemadison.org and Good Shepherd Parish St James Church, 1128 St. James Ct, Madison, WI 53715 or online at www.thegoodshepherdmadison.org. Cards in remembrance of Bev can be sent to Marilyn Fruth at 2353 West Lawn Ave., Madison, WI 53711. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com. Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road 608-274-1000