Ruth Ann Abts

Ruth Ann (Scray) Abts, 86, passed away Monday, November 29, 2021. The only child of the late Veronica and Norbert Scray was born March 25, 1935. Ruth graduated from Nicolet High School, De Pere. She later married John Donald Abts on June 25, 1955, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in De Pere.
She is survived by her children, Sherry Abts, Tony (Diana) Abts, Laurie (Karl) Hockers, Barbara (Steve) Kempen, John (Melissa) Abts. Ruth is further survived by his grandchildren, Claire Abts Colomer (Miguel), Brian Hockers (Amber), Kendra Hodge (Michael), Keith Hockers (Melissa), Daniel Heinritz, Jessica Hockers (Adam), Austin Abts, Savannah Abts, Nick Kempen (Cheyenne), Molleigh Kempen (Joe) and her great grandchildren, Juan Miguel Colomer, Carlos Colomer, Antonio Colomer Abts, Bailey Hodge, Maxwell Hodge.
Ruth devoted herself to her husband and her children as wife and mother. She kept a beautiful home and loved to bake. (Her cookies and pies were the best!) She and John enjoyed a love that brought them through any challenges that raising five children presented, first living in West De Pere before moving out to the country on Hwy EE and raising beef cattle and horses. Later they spent 10 years on the Bay in Oconto until they moved back to De Pere. She enjoyed vacationing with her family, traveling and camping. In these later years, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, especially swimming in Barbara's pool!
Ruth was also a devoted Catholic. She loved spiritual reading and was an avid listener to Catholic radio. She always prayed for her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Whenever one of her children or grandchildren was traveling, Ruth would light a candle, pray for their safety and burn the candle until they returned. She and John made a pilgrimage to Medjugorje which was a very memorable experience for them. In her later years, she attended Mass daily and spent many hours in Eucharistic adoration. She loved being a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.
In these final weeks, as we cared for her at home, we enjoyed the many stories she told us about the early years of life with Dad, dating, wedding, honeymoon, and life together. We are grateful for the wonderfully compassionate service of Unity Hospice and especially for Ashley, Mom's nurse.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Abts, her father, Norbert Scray, her stepfather, Earl Wishart, her mother, Veronica Wishart, and her infant grandson, Christopher Carey Abts.
In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to Unity Hospice to help provide care for those facing economic challenges.
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