Ruby M. Jantzen, age 103 of Darlington passed away on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, at Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County in Darlington. She was born on April 8, 1913 in Belmont Township, the daughter of Louis H. and Minnie May (Austin) Nodolf. She graduated from Platteville High School and later went on to graduate from Platteville Normal School. She was united in marriage to Clarence Jantzen on August 28, 1935, in Galena, Ill. Ruby worked hard her entire way through high school and college later going on to teach and farm. Ruby lived and farmed in Stitzer and later Kendall township for most of her life.
Ruby is survived by her children: John L. Jantzen and Judy (Harold) Elzen both of Darlington; three grandchildren: Melissa (David) Zasada, Michelle (Scott) McGowan, and Matthew (Jessica) Elzen all of Darlington; five great-grandchildren; two-step great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews: and one special family friend: Jack Deery and his family. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers: Harold and Roy Nodolf; and one sister: Mabel Hird.
Ruby was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Darlington. She was a founding member of the Lafayette County Whirlybirds Homemakers Club. She enjoyed being a 4-H leader for many years where she was the club leader and sewing instructor. In her free time she ran errands for the elderly and sick in her neighborhood. She loved her farm and the animals on it especially her horses. She was always busy doing something either gardening, canning, quilting, sewing, crocheting or taking care of her family.
Private family services will be held at a later date. A visitation were held Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Erickson Funeral Home (508 Main Street, Darlington). Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Ruby’s name.