Ruby Mae Steiner

Ruby Mae (Thompson) Steiner, 84, of rural Alma died peacefully on March 2, 2014 with her loving family at her side after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born June 7, 1929, in Burnside, Town of Nelson, Buffalo County, Wis., to Ole and Anna Thompson. She was united in marriage to LaVern R. Steiner on February 16, 1949, in Alma. LaVern and Ruby farmed for many years on what is affectionately called “Skinner Ridge.”She was a member of Lyster Lutheran Church in Urne; a member of the Buffalo County Homemakers with many women from the Alma “bluff;” Alma School PTA; and Town of Lincoln elections. After retirement, LaVern and Ruby would be found fishing, playing cards and pool, going to auctions, visiting with family and friends and always attending social gatherings in the area. She loved quilting, gardening, canning, bread baking and trying the latest dessert using raspberries or strawberries. After LaVern’s passing in 2003, Ruby continued to be an avid card and bingo player going to Alma, Urne, Nelson, Modena, Cochrane and other locations. She had her weekly schedule of social events that she truly enjoyed. Ruby lit up the room with her smile, twinkling eyes and infectious laugh. Ruby, our beautiful, sweet Ruby, will be sadly missed. She was the kindest and sweetest Mom, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Great Great Grandmother. Ruby is survived by six daughters and two sons. Susan Kircher (Dan), of Pepin, WI; Lois Gerth (Bob Oseau), of Buffalo City, WI; Janet Reinhardt (Dennis), of Osseo, WI; Linda Loesel (Terry), of Eldridge, IA; Cindy Finley (James), of Bloomington, MN and Patsy Dillon, of Bloomington, MN; Dave Steiner and James Steiner, of Alma. Ruby has 16 grandchildren: Lynn, Dale, Barry and Ryan Kircher; Jenny Barum; Vicky Reinhardt; Kelly Tague; Jessica Sylvester; Angela Loesel; Michele Finley-Johnson; Kevin, Meghan and Anna Finley; Laura Dillon-Goldknopf; Josh and Jacob Steiner. Ruby has 23 great grandchildren: Zoe Kircher; Jen Patraw-Step Great Grandchild; Heidi Bergquist-Step Great Grandchild; Brianna and Emily Kircher; Lauren; Leah; Ryan II; Noah and Trevor Kircher; Christopher and Tyler Barum; Greta and Stella Johnson; Bailey and Natalie Tague; Julia and Nika Sylvester; Austin Fite, Kyler and Mia Stacey; Ella Herndon and Miles Goldknopf. Ruby has 3 step-great great grandchildren: Noah and Nevin Patraw, Natalie Bergquist. She has three sisters: Elizabeth Kreibich, of River Falls, WI (Gene); Kathleen Rieck, Urne, WI; and Elaine Haigh (Lyle), West Point, IA, one brother, Olgar Thompson (Lois Rabass), of Cortland, Ohio, and one sister-in-law, Dorothy Thompson (late Arvin Thompson), of Urne, WI. She is also survived by one Aunt, Regina Brommer, of Nelson, WI, and many nieces and nephews. Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, LaVern, in 2003; her parents; two sons, Dean Steiner, 1964 and Paul Steiner, 1981; one brother, Arvin Thompson, 2005; one sister, Mary Ellen Thompson, 2007, and Benjamin and Darlene Wald, brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Family and friends may call at Talbot Family Funeral Home in Alma on March 5 at 4:00 PM to 8:00PM and again one hour prior to the funeral service on March 6 at 11:00AM also at the funeral home, with Rev. Michael Vetsch, of Lyster Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be held in the spring at Alma Public Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in the name of Ruby Steiner would be appreciated to the American Cancer Society and the Mayo Clinic Hospice Program. Serving as Pallbearers will be Ruby’s grandsons: Lynn Kircher, Dale Kircher, Barry Kircher, Ryan Kircher, Josh Steiner, Jacob Steiner and Kevin Finley. Honorary pallbearers are the remaining grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com