Ruth Fernsler

Ruth Marilyn Fernsler, aged 89, of Plymouth, passed away at Rocky Knoll Health Care Center on Friday, Feb.
24, 2023. She was born on June 10, 1933, to Edmond and Gladys (Saboe) Ellerbusch in Great Falls, Montana.
In 1944, the family moved to Berkeley California. She graduated from Berkeley High School in 1951 and San
Mateo College, majoring in Home Economics in 1953 while also receiving her pilot’s license. On March 27,
1954, Ruth married Lt. Herbert Galpin, a USMC pilot, they had three children- Kenneth, Bonnie, and Patti.
Herbert preceded her in death on July 9, 1960. On June 3, 1967, she married John “Jack” Fernsler in Pinole,
California. They combined their two families, bringing Tyler, John, and Jim and moved to Huntington Beach,
California.
In 1972, the family moved to Plymouth, Wisconsin where Jack worked for Sargento Cheese Co. Ruth worked
as an interior designer at JC Penney, and Leys Department store and then in her own business working in
commercial businesses. She retired in 2002 but volunteered her skills at Generations and Plymouth Art
Center.
Ruth shared many of her talents including – sewing, needlework, gardening, gourmet cooking and oil painting.
She was active in the Plymouth Dance Club, Plymouth Gourmet Club, Red Hats and Oil Painting Classes at the
Plymouth Arts Center. She enjoyed traveling, hunting, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, fishing and loved to
encourage and teach her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Jack; Children: Tyler (Elise) of St Louis MO, Ken (Suzanne) Galpin of Placerville
CA, Bonnie (Mark) Hembel of Plymouth WI, John of Madison WI, Patti (Steve) DoBas of Plymouth WI. Eleven
grandchildren: Nichole (John) Dirks, Crystal Balint, Michelle (Carlo) Emanuel, Amy (Jesse) Hussong, Jenna
(Brandon) Wellman, Lindsey (Stephan) Bendik, Randall Cutmore, Tyler (Crystal) Galpin, Mitchel (Samantha)
Fernsler, Bennett Fernsler; nineteen great grandchildren, one brother Gene Ellerbusch, and extended
daughter Bernadette (Steve) Rothert.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Eris Bailey, sisters in law- Elizabeth Stults and Theresa
Ellerbusch, brother-in-law Larry Bailey, son James (Jim) Fernsler, and daughter in law Cindy Fernsler.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 6 th at the Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth. Visitation will take
place from 2-4 pm, followed by a memorial service at 4 pm. Pastor Sara Gorman of Redeemer Lutheran
Church will officiate.
Memorials in Ruth’s name will be directed to Sharon S. Richardson’s Community Hospice and Plymouth Arts
Center.
Ruth’s family wishes to extend a thank you to the caring staff of Rocky Knoll Health Care Center and Sharon
Richardson’s Community Hospice.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is assisting the family. For online condolences,
please visit www.suchonfh.com.