Ruth Thiel

Ruth Thiel died August 19, 2016, at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge, Madison, Wisconsin. She was born Viola Ruth Tyrrell to Hayden W. and Lucy Lois (Hanley) Tyrrell of Todd County, Minnesota. She attended rural elementary school for five years, then Staples High School and Teachers Training. At age 17 she began teaching in the rural schools of Todd County, Minnesota. On June 10, 1942 she wed Orville Thiel. They worked at Lockheed aircraft plants in California until 1944. After Orville was discharged from the U.S. Army, they began farming in partnership with his brother Gerald. Ruth resumed teaching in rural schools in Traverse County and later at Pearson Elementary School in Wheaton. She received her B.S. in Education from the University of Minnesota at Morris. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, extension groups, and education associations. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, bird watching, playing games and working crosswords puzzles. Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents and one sister, Vernice Parliament. She is survived by her sister, Evelyn Adams; her daughter, Geri Torti and her son, Kent (Katrina) Thiel. Seven grandchildren and their spouses; eight great-grandchildren; and sixteen nieces and nephews also survive her. A memorial service celebrating Ruths life will be held at OAKWOOD VILLAGE PRAIRIE RIDGE CHAPEL, 5565 Tancho Dr., Madison, on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 beginning at 11 a.m. The family wishes to thank the staffs of Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge and Agrace Hospice of Madison, Wisconsin for their care of Ruth toward the end of her life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimers Association. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608)442-0477 www.866allfaiths.com