Ruth Hinz, age 96, passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at Wausau Manor. She was born June 15, 1919 in Merrill to the late Ervin and Anna (Pfingsten) Gruetzmacher. On September 28, 1940 she and Harold Hinz were united in marriage. He preceded her in death on December 3, 1995.
Ruth helped out at a bakery in her younger years. She was a homemaker and also helped out on the family farm. Ruth worked at the YMCA in Wausau and enjoyed babysitting for a neighbor. She liked to volunteer her time at Bethesda Thrift Store in Wausau. Ruth enjoyed sewing, crocheting, fishing, quilting, playing cards, and gardening. She loved square dancing at the farm with her friends, along with dancing and listening to polka music. Ruth was a loving mother and grandmother who did anything for her family. She was also a member of Faith Lutheran Church in the Town of Maine.
Survivors include her three children: Marlene Wilde (special friend Wayne Christian), Wausau, Ronald Hinz, Madison, and Duane Hinz, Orange Park, FL; two grandchildren: Clint (Lily) Wilde, Alachua, FL, and Crystal Wilde-Wheeler, Pleasant View, TN; one great-granddaughter: Christina Wilde, Hendersonville, TN; one great-great-granddaughter: Anniyah Wilde-Clark, Hendersonville, TN; brother: Elroy (Phyllis) Gruetzmacher, Bentonville, AR; one sister: Rosalie Sprafke, Pottsville, AR; and two sisters-in-law: Arleen Gruetzmacher and Arlette Gruetzmacher, both of Merrill. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, two brothers, Alvin and Clarence and two sisters, Lorinda and infant Caroline.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at Waid Funeral Home. Rev. Kevin Hoogland will officiate. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM Tuesday March 22, and again from 10:00 AM until the time of service Wednesday, all at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.