Ruth Diane Butler, DeForest mother and community member

Ruth Diane (Cadwell) Butler died June 5, 2026. She was born January 13, 1935, in Cassville, Wisconsin, to Clarence and Margaret Cadwell. She married Patrick Butler on February 19, 1955.

Work and family life

Butler first worked as a hairdresser and later in food service for the Madison Metropolitan School District. She and Patrick raised five children in Madison, and relatives remember a welcoming home filled with shared meals and baking, especially chocolate chip cookies.

Their children are Julie (Bob) Wipperfurth, Hawley (Teal) Butler, Stuart (Alice) Butler, Chris (Lisa) Butler and Jodie Wing. Stuart, however, is also listed among those who died before her. The obituary says she had 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two more great-grandchildren expected.

Retirement and faith

Ruth and Patrick lived during retirement in Las Vegas; Branson and Nixa, Missouri; Punta Gorda, Florida; and later DeForest. They traveled widely. Her family remembers her daily rosary, her friendships and her involvement with residents at Parkside Assisted Living.

She is survived by four of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and sisters Judy and Mary. Her husband Patrick, son Stuart and brother Loren preceded her in death. The family thanked Parkside Assisted Living and the emergency and palliative care teams at UW Hospital.

Service

A funeral Mass was scheduled for June 18 at 11 a.m. at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 623 Jefferson St., DeForest. Visitation was planned from 10 to 11 a.m., with burial at St. Olaf Catholic Cemetery. Memorials were suggested for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Ryan Funeral Home handled arrangements.