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Ruth Elizabeth (Pavlak) Née Willcox Jaske

Obituary

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Ruth Jaske Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 12, 2025.

Found everlasting peace on November 5, 2025 at the age of 91.

Ruth was born on February 1, 1934 to the late Harold & Cecelia Willcox in Chicago, Illinois. Defined by her fierce independence, she built a long, successful career as a real estate broker and also owned a West Allis bar, Good Question- affectionately referred to as the local "Cheers," where everyone knew her name.

Ruth had passion, gusto and an adventurous soul. A life long love of travel, with cherished memories from China, Japan and countless journeys across the U.S. & abroad, no doubt leaving a memorable mark with all who met her.

She was our first friend, the one who loved us before we knew what love was. Ruth's love was immeasurable and her family was the center of her world.

Loving Mother of seven, proud grandmother to twenty grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren & one great-great grandchild.

The heart & soul of our family, a constant source of love, encouragement & humor. She will be deeply missed & forever remembered by her children, Sue (Steve) Kusch, Sheri Pavlak, Sandi (Chad) Peplinski, Steve (Shari) Pavlak, Scott Pavlak, Jacqueline (Jim) Jaske Gile, Julie (Eric) Erickson.

Loving & proud Grandma to Kristine Zuber, Jeff (Angie) Zuber, Nick Pavlak, Bryce (Jennifer) Peplinski, Heather Ell, Katrina (Matt) Koutalis, Kayla (Jeff) Radtke, Austin Pavlak, Nikko Pavlak, Savana Pavlak, Rob (Ashlei) Hunkins, Steve (Erin) Hunkins, Haley Bilicki, Kelsey Bilicki (their mother, Jen Bilicki), Zack (Taylor) Heipel, Cassie Rogers, Joey Rogers, Hannah Rogers, Eden Erickson, Ava Erickson.

Cherished Great-Grandma to Tyler, Brynn, Chase, Jenna, Aaron, Easton, Josiah, Cadence, Grant, Everlee, Aubree, Clayton, Jeffrey Jr, Cosette, Noelle, Oliver, Parker, Genevieve and Great-Great Grandma to Irie.

Ruth is survived by her brother Glenn (Morag) Willcox, nephews Ron (Lori) Willcox, Jerry Willcox, cousins Cheryl (John) Minor, Chuck (Era) Johannsen and many other relatives and special friends.

Preceding her in death, loving & best friend, Eugene Rybacki. Her parents, Harold & Cecelia (Hohmann) Willcox, brothers Harold Jr Willcox, Robert Willcox, sister in law, Deanna Willcox. She is also preceded by her lifelong, dear friends, travel buddies and fellow trouble makers Arlene Shepard & Carol Graf.

A celebration of Ruth's life, per her request, will be held on May 16, 2026, from 1 -5 pm at Legion Post Hall 92nd & Beloit Rd., West Allis, WI.

Our family would like to thank Horizon Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon for their compassionate and loving care. We are eternally grateful to her amazing caregivers.

Donations Ruth's memory may be made to Ronald McDonald House of Milwaukee.

A true original, Ruth's vibrant spirit, wisdom, humor and incredible zest for life will forever live in our hearts. she leaves behind a profound void, an ache in our hearts and inspiration to live up to her beautiful example.

As we find our smiles again, we will generously speak her name, share stories, pictures and memories.

Rest in Peace Mom, we love you.

West Allis -

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