Ruth A. Broome

Ruth Ann Parr Broome died peacefully in her farmhouse home of 73 years in company of loving family on November 15, 2025. Ruth was born on May 27, 1928, in Sun Prairie, WI to Ethel Marie (Motl) Parr and Frank Francis Parr. She was raised on the family farm near Sun Prairie. Ruth graduated from Sacred Hearts School, Sun Prairie High School and Madison Business College. After graduating with a business degree, she worked for several years for the State of Wisconsin. In her early twenties, Ruth married the love of her life whom she met while a student at Sacred Hearts School. They married on June 4, 1949, and enjoyed their married life until Bernard’s passing July 24, 2018.

Ruth was a wonderful baker and cook. Every holiday and birthday was celebrated with delicious homemade meals. She had huge gardens, raised ducks and chickens, and sold eggs. She was also an active partner in running the family dairy farm with Bernard. She valued her Catholic faith and was active in numerous capacities in her church, St. Mary’s, Marshall, WI until aging prohibited participation. Bernard and Ruth were devoted grandparents; adult grandchildren today share wonderful memories of visits to and sleep overs at the farm with Grandma and Grandpa. Ruth valued family and friends, always making it a priority to spend time together. Ruth valued reading and education. She was an avid reader and encouraged her daughters to pursue education, to be informed about local and world events, and to be strong, independent women. She was proud to have served as a poll worker for the Town of Medina for over 50 years. She enjoyed working at every election.

In retirement, Ruth and Bernard enjoyed time with friends, road trips and living on their farm. Together, they faced the challenges of aging and decline and were greatly appreciative of family assistance when needed. During her years as a widow, going on without Bernard was very hard. Despite her fears, Ruth faced challenges with steadfast determination and prayer.

Ruth is survived by three of her daughters, Diane (Ron) Buss, Catherine Broome (Bev), and Jeanne (Rick) Pepping, son-in-law Jeffry Herman, eleven grandchildren, Jennifer (Mike) Brevard, Jill (Ryan) Schroeder, Amanda (John) Pepping, Matthew (Lauren) Pepping, Julie (Drew) Gaffney, Sarah (Scott) Gordon, Andrea (Chad) Schaub, Jeremy (Amber) Herman. She is survived by sixteen great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. Ruth is also survived by sister-in-law Marlene Bensch as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband of sixty nine years, Bernard, her youngest daughter Debra Francis (Broome) Herman, three infant grandchildren, Rebecca, Michael and David Pepping, brother and sister-in-law Leo and Janet Parr, sister and brother-in-law Mary Grace and Leon Weisensel, brother and sister-in-law Donald and Sandra Parr, sister-in-law and brother-in- law Rosemary and William Leek, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Leon and Sharon Broome, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Geraldine and Lauren Shelhamer, brother-in-law Paul Bensch.

The family would like to thank special family friends LeRoy and Helen Hebel for their many years of kindness and support to Bernard, Ruth and our family, Dr. Kass, SSM Dean Clinic Sun Prairie for his understanding of care goals and excellent care of Ruth as she achieved advanced age, Peggy Draeger and Jean Dietert, Sun Prairie Colonial Club Senior Center, case management and Meals on Wheels program with nourishing food and wonderful volunteers, both invaluable supports to Ruth. The family also wishes to thank Fr. Rob, Epiphany of the Lord Pastorate, whose kindness meant a great deal to Ruth and her daughters, and Melissa, RN Agrace Hospice, whose guidance and support touched our hearts and lifted our spirits. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sun Prairie Colonial Club Senior Center.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Ruth on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11am at Epiphany of the Lord Pastorate, St Mary’s Catholic Church, Marshall, WI, with Fr. Michael Johnsonpresiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10am until time of mass. Burial will be at Sacred Hearts Cemetery, Sun Prairie, WI following mass.

Mom, we will keep your spirit in our hearts always. We love you dearly.