Ruth M. Slocum

Ruth M. Slocum (nee Golob), 87, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2015 at her beloved Oconomowoc farm. 'M' because she never disclosed her middle name, ever. Ruth is lovingly survived by her daughter, Cassandra Brooke (the late Charles) Bourne of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and son, Arthur L. Slocum, Jr. and wife, Joan, of Tucson, Arizona; grandchildren, Aynsley (Louis) Spencer, Mary Whitney (Ottmar) Wischki, Joshua (Blair) Bourne, Kelsey Slocum, Taylor Slocum, Shelby Slocum, Kira Slocum; great-grandchildren, Aliza Spencer, Graham Spencer, Ellery Spencer, Wolfgang Wischki, Ilse Brooke Wischki, Charlie Bourne, Oliver Bourne, Lida Bourne, Jace Slocum; brother-in-law Paul Reinke; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Matthew and Mary Golob; dear husband, Arthur L. Slocum; and siblings, Margaret (Louis) Lonkner, Janet Planer, Olga (Frank) Bolka, Mary (Frank) Rezek, Eleanor Reinke, Ann Golob and William Golob. Ruth was born in Milwaukee, and, in 1956, married the love of her life, Arthur L. Slocum, whom she remembered always with kindness and love throughout her life. They traveled extensively, and were devoted to their community. Ruth embraced her Austrian heritage, and took her beloved father, who was 92 at the time, to visit his ancestral home in what is now Alpine Slovenia. She was a Board member of the Milwaukee Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Milwaukee YWCA. Devoted to the Lord, she was a founding member of Mayflower Congregational Church in River Hills and remained close with its beloved first minister, Dr. Leslie Deinstadt, until his death. She proudly taught her grandchildren the Lord’s Prayer, and spoke of God’s love and the importance of family constantly. Ruth studied naturopathic medicine throughout her life, disbursed vats of tee tree oil before it was a household name, was fondly known as 'Dr. Ruth' and always 'took her vitamins'. She adored Up North, stories of skiing, fishing and swimming to the island on Scattering Rice Lake and spotting deer in her yard. She loved her treasured friends at her 'pad' in Florida. Her farm was a place of joy where she tended beautiful vegetable and flower gardens, raised cattle, enjoyed time in her gazebo, smelled the lilacs and allowed her family to run free, play in the rain and escape to the 'clubhouse'. Her family home on Shephard Avenue was a place of huge family gatherings and terrific sleep-overs. Ruth’s greatest joy, perhaps, was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They will never forget her many 'packages' or her quest to sneak a frozen tenderloin in their suitcases. She never forgot a holiday, a birthday or any reason to celebrate for that matter. Ruth loved climbing into her huge Caddy, and disappearing for hours searching for the perfect, thoughtful gift. Ruth always awoke with a smile, limitless energy and readiness for an adventure. While she always encouraged you to 'catch 40', there was no stopping her. Ruth’s generous spirit, fortitude, willingness to help others and love of family will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. However, we know that Ruth has reached a place of everlasting peace alongside her Lord. A private burial was held at Forest Home Cemetery. Memorials may be made in her name to North Shore Congregational Church, Friends of Villa Terrace and the University of Arizona College of Nursing. The family wishes to thank you for your kindness.