Ruth Goetz Petersen
December 17, 1914 - May 13, 2011

Madison - Ruth Goetz Petersen, age 96, died Friday, May 13, 2011, in Covenant Oaks at Oakwood Village West. She was born Dec. 17, 1914, in a house on West Doty Street and lived all her life in Madison. In June of 1938 she married Edwin "Bud'' Petersen in Luther Memorial Church and so her life as a "faculty wife'' began as our dad began his teaching career at UW-Madison.

Mom was a sharp bridge player well into her '80s and she was a wonderful baker. Our home in University Heights became a stopping off point for friends before and after Badger Football games at Camp Randall. She delighted in wearing Badger Red. She also tended lovingly to wildflowers and rose bushes in her backyard. She was known as the "Cardinal Lady'' when she brought her collection of cardinals to her apartment in The Oaks. Previous to moving to Oakwood, mom volunteered many years with the VAL Gals and at Hebron.

She also enjoyed yearly vacations in Door County and formed lasting friendships there. Her husband died in 1996 and she lived in her home for a few years before moving to The Oaks and then to Covenant three years ago. On the day she passed away, a cardinal came to the feeder outside her window.
She is survived by her daughter Jean and son-in-law Mike Graff, her son David and daughter-in-law Sherry Petersen, two grandsons, Derek (Heather) and Craig (Jodi) and five great grandchildren, Jacob, Karyssa, Daniel, Alexander and Christopher.

Our family wishes to thank the staff of Covenant Oaks for their love and care on a daily basis. Ruth could not have lived in a more joyful and active place. Also thanks to Hospice Care for their support in the last three weeks of mom's life.

A private family service will celebrate her life. In place of flowers, the family suggests memorials in her name be made to Oakwood Foundation, 6209 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705, or Hospice Care Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.

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