Ruth Harbath, 92, of Merrill, passed away Monday, March 2, 2020 at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill. Ruth was born in Merrill, Wisconsin on May 13, 1927 to Herbert and Hilda (Neumann) Bettin. She attended school in Merrill and graduated with the class of 1945. After graduation, she worked for 9 years in the Merrill Daily Herald office. On November 10, 1951, she married Jerome ‘Bud’ Harbath. For 7 years, Ruth worked for Taylor Funeral Home, and in 1961 she took a job as the secretary at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. She worked there for 37 years, retiring in January 1998. Ruth enjoyed reading, walking, golfing, and crocheting. She was active in church and she and Bud received the Faith Award from the church in 1998. As a member of the Senior Choir, she enjoyed singing there for about 30 years. The other organizations of the church were: Dorcas Society and Mission Guild where she held several offices; and Helping Hands, prayer chain and assisted residents of Pine Crest to the St. Stephens worship services. She was also a member of the Good Samaritan Volunteers, and an Auxiliary member of the Ladies V.F.W. She enjoyed playing cards with her friends at Jenny Towers.
Survivors include two sons, Randall (Nancy) Harbath of Green Bay and Michael (Lee) Harbath of Merrill; five grandchildren, Katie Harbath of Washington D.C., Megan (Adam) Mueller of Merrill; Andy (Laura) Harbath of Green Bay, Kristy (Rick) Neumann of Merrill, and Katie Kufahl (Eric Meyer) of Merrill; five great-grandchildren, Jacob and Mathew Mueller, Lily and Malayna Kufahl, and Alexander Neumann; and one brother, Richard Bettin of Merrill. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Bud Harbath; her parents; four sisters, Adeline Arseneau, Mildred Damaske, Irene Peters, and June Luedtke; and one brother, Gerald ‘Gus’ Bettin.
A memorial service for Ruth will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. The Rev. Lucas Williams will officiate. Burial will take place in Snow Hill Cemetery, Town of Scott, at a later date. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Tuesday, March 17th at the church. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ruth’s name may be made to St. Stephens United Church of Christ Memorial Fund. The family would like to thank Pine Crest Nursing Home and Ascension Ministry Hospice for the exceptional care they provided. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com