Ruth E. Bartelt

Ruth Ellen Bartelt, passed away on September 1, 2024, at Copperleaf Memory Care of Schofield, Wisconsin, at the age of 91. She was born on May 27, 1933, in New Jersey.

Ruth was deeply devoted to her spiritual family in the Congregation and lived a life full of love and compassion side by side with her husband, Lester.

In the early 1960s, Lester and Ruth made the significant move from Milwaukee to Wausau, where Lester made himself available to serve as the Presiding Overseer for the Wausau Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Ruth was a full-time minister, known as a Pioneer, in the 1960’s with many Bible Studies. She shared the Good News in the door-to-door ministry with many in the community of Wausau, including being one of the first in giving witness to the Hmong community. She saw many of her students get baptized. Both her and Lester chose a simple life, devoting much of their time to serving God.

Ruth worked as a secretary but primarily her true love was being a student of the Bible.

She was married for 69 years to her beloved husband, Lester Allen Bartelt, who preceded her in death on April 12, 2024. Their enduring love and commitment were a testament to their remarkable bond. They were always by each other's side, jokingly introducing themselves as "Ruth and Les-together we are Ruthless!" Rarely would you see them separated from each other.

Ruth is survived by her brother, Dan Wiebe, who will greatly miss his sister’s warmth and kindness. She also leaves behind a host of friends whose lives were touched by her generous spirit and vibrant personality.

Ruth’s presence will be profoundly missed, but her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her. We look forward to seeing her again when she is resurrected John 5:28-29.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses located at 226350 Hummingbird Road, Rib Mountain, Wisconsin. Visitation will be at 2:00 pm and a Memorial Talk at 3:00 pm.

We would like to thank Shannon and the entire staff at Copperleaf Memory Care; Jenny at Lakeland Care; and Interim Health Care for all the support and compassion they have provided.

Brainard Funeral Home's Wausau Chapel is assisting our family.