Ruth Jeanette Napp

1930 - 2025

Ruth Jeanette Napp

February 16, 1930 - August 23, 2025

Ruth Jeanette Napp was born on February 16, 1930, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Jerry and Rose (Deiters) Gehred. After living a full and active life Ruth passed peacefully on August 23, 2025 in Spring Hill, Fla. at the age of 95.

She graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Journalism. It was there she met the love of her life, Charlie Napp. They were married in 1956 at St Paul's University Chapel in Madison. Together they spent 47 wonderful years raising seven children in Sun Prairie until Charlie's passing in 2003.

Ruth loved the outdoors, finding elation in the sight and sounds of nature. She was a lover of the high peaks, the North Woods, and Florida beaches. She enjoyed swimming, hiking, biking, and camping; and instilled her appreciation of these activities in her children. An avid bicyclist in later life, Ruth would ride her bike nearly every day even after she had turned 90.

She really enjoyed camping. Ruth and Charlie started taking the family camping even while the youngest were still in diapers. Ruth, with her brother Tom, would spend the winter months planning the "annual campout". This summer event, a reunion complete with campfire songs, was held at National Parks and National Forests throughout the country and was dubbed the Wandering Star Camp Group. A tradition that continues to this day with the next and next generation. Really, Ruth rarely missing any opportunity for any campout. Whether was with her big extended family or her SAS friends.

Ruth loved music; singing, dancing, playing her guitar and the dulcimer. Ruth was a sports fan. She enjoyed watching tennis and was an avid Packer fan. She was a talented writer whether it was a letter to the editor or a card to a friend. Ruth also enjoyed sewing. Turning bolts of fabric into dresses, new drapes or matching PJ's for the kids.

Throughout life she was a seeker of truth and knowledge in both faith and politics. She attended AA meetings as a way of helping others with addiction. She was an advocate for the poor and suffering, donating her time and money to charitable organizations, and many needy causes. She longed and prayed for peace in the world continuously.

Ruth was outgoing with a wonderful sense of humor. She was such an active, busy woman she humorously had a sign made for her door stating "Ruth's Never Inn". Above all she was kind, generous, compassionate and a true friend to so many.

Ruth is survived by her children, Jerry Napp (Pam), Chris Napp (Elaine,) Amy Dryer (David), Jane Austin, Elle Schaeffer (KC); 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; her brother, Greg Gehred; and sister, Duffy Morrison; many nieces and nephews; many friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Napp; her parents, Rose and Jerome Gehred; her brother, Tom Gehred; and her daughter, Nancy Napp; and son, Andrew Napp.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church in Sun Prairie at 11 a.m. on October 29th.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Association.