Ruth C. Blair (nee Briganske) age 85 of West Bend died Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at her residence. She was born December 16, 1930 in Milwaukee to Alexander and Jeanette (nee Martin) Briganske.
Ruth married Willard Finkler in Dubuque, IA in 1952. Together they had 2 daughters, Jane Towler of West Bend and Mary Ann (Chris) Velnetske of Cedarburg. She then married Robert Blair in Jackson in 1975 and became the step-mother of Ralph (Cindy) Blair of West Bend, Brian (Sharon) Blair of Phoenix, AZ, Elizabeth (the late Allen) Blair Prusik of Allenton and the late Barbara Blair.
Ruth graduated from South Division High School in Milwaukee before attending the Milwaukee County Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1951. She then attended Marquette University for her Certification in Public Health.
Ruth is survived by her daughters, Jane Towler of West Bend and Mary Ann (Chris) Velnetske of Cedarburg, her step-children: Ralph (Cindy) Blair of West Bend, Brian (Sharon) Blair of Phoenix, AZ and Elizabeth Blair Prusik of Allenton and 9 grandchildren: Christy Towler, Michael Towler Jr., Joyce (Justin) Kellow, Robert Blair, Corrine Blair, Adam Blair, Julia Blair, Brian (Suzie) Paul and Joshua (Tale) Paul. She is further survived by her great-grandchildren: Taylor Towler, Cassie Walker, Hart King, Hailey King, Katherine Kellow and Emma Paul, her sister Beverly Schoedel of Florida and nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Alexander and Jeanette Briganske, her husbands, Willard Finkler and Robert Blair, her grandson Matthew Towler and her step-daughter Barbara Blair.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Pastor Darin Wiebe and Sherie Kruse from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in West Bend and Dr. Nicole Klausmeier, Dr. Eric Olafsson, Dr. Rajesh Trivedi and Renee Greefkes RN for their kind and compassionate care.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in Forest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee. Please meet at the front entrance. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Washington County Humane Society or Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in West Bend are appreciated.
The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family. Online guestbook and condolences are available at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com