Ruth Ann Hightdudis

Ruth (Ruthy) Hornbeck HightdudisRuthy (76) has joined her loving husband George of (48 years) and their sons Brian and Benjamin on Saturday, December 10, 2011. Ruthy was born on October 31, 1935 to William and Anita Hornbeck in Appleton, WI. She lived in Sylacauga, Alabama for most of her high school years where she developed several lasting friendships that are still as strong as ever.Ruthy has led a faith filled life full of love and compassion. She graduated from Oshkosh Teachers College (UWO) where she established many strong friendships that continued until her passing. She enjoyed teaching 2nd grade in Manitowoc however her call was to be a mother and a wife. Ruth had a bountiful family of 7 children. The Lord called Brian home after 2 months. In 1970, a special gift was given to her named Benjamin. The Lord spoke to her by asking her to raise a mentally disabled son who was then called home in 1978. Through the 1970s and 80s, she volunteered on local, state and national levels for The ARC where she was elected vice president and placed in the hall of honor.Ruth is no stranger to volunteer work. She was one of the first people to approach Aurora Medical Center with an interest in volunteering and had been volunteering in the hospitals gift shop and helping with spiritual services since the hospital opened its doors in 2003. She is a recipient of the Volunteer of Year in 2007 while also working the local election polls in between. The St. Raphael the Archangel Church in Oshkosh community provided Ruth a sense of home. She proudly participated in church activities, the parish council, a sacristan and providing communion to the home bound. When shes not volunteering at Aurora, or serving on the parish council at her church, she spent a lot of time studying the genealogy of her family, something shes done since the early 1980s. Ruthy leaves behind her adoring children; William (Gina) Hightdudis of Oak Creek, Brad (Jennifer Lautz) Hightdudis of Wauwatosa, Blake (Emma) Hightdudis of Watertown, Beth Marshek of Kansas City, MO, and Beckie (Peter) Harrington of Oshkosh.Her cherished grandchildren; Alby (Kurtis Su) Hightdudis, Abigail Hightdudis, Crystal (Jon Suchow) Hightdudis,; Angelica Hightdudis, Benjamen Harrington, Trevor Marshek, Nicholas Hightdudis and Katherine Hightdudis, Step grand-daughter Nenita (NeNe) Chambers and her sons Michael, Nicky and Damien.Ruth also has an adorable great grandchild, Ariana Su.Other relatives and friends left to mourn; is her only sister, Anita (Brian) Mulherin, Cousin Marilyn (Carl) Jersild and best friend June Parker from Alabama. John Nieman and the volunteers in the gift shop at Aurora along with all the wonderful, caring medical staff. Friends and parish members at St. RaphaelsA Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Raphaels Catholic Church (830 S Westhaven Dr.) on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Doug LeCaptain Officiating. Family and friends may visit at the Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home (Westside) on Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Inurnment will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery.The family wishes to thank Dr. Alzoubi and Dr. Wilson for the outstanding care she has received. A special thank you to Father Doug LeCaptain and the staff at St. Raphaels. Take O take me as I am. Summon out what I could be. Set your seal on my heart and live in me. - John L. Bell

Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home - Westside



100 Lake Pointe Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Tuesday, December 13, 2011
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm



St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church



830 S Westhaven Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Wednesday, December 14, 2011
10:00 am to 11:00 am



St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church



830 S Westhaven Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Wednesday, December 14, 2011
11:00 AM



Calvary Catholic Cemetery



Algoma Blvd
Oshkosh
WI
54901