Ruth W. Amstutz, age 99 of Monroe, Wisconsin, died on Tuesday, December 29, 2009, at Pleasant View Nursing Home. She was born July 16, 1910 in rural Monroe, the daughter of Edwin A. and Emmaline (Haddinger) Bear. Ruth was a graduate of Monroe High School in 1928 and a graduate of Brown's College of Commerce. Following graduation she was a bookkeeper at the former Commercial and Saving's Bank, Bauman's Ace Hardware and the Swiss Colony.

Ruth married William E. Amstutz on June 17, 1939 in The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

Ruth went back to school and graduated from the former Green County Teacher's College in 1960. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education in 1963, from the University of Wisconsin Platteville, WI and received her Master of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1969, from the University of Wisconsin Platteville, WI.

She retired as a Elementary School Educator in the Monroe School District in 1975. She also received the Outstanding Conservation Teacher of the year award in 1964.

Ruth was a Charter Member of Omicron Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa Honorary Teacher's Sorority and a member of Alpha Delta Pi Honorary Society in Education at the University of Wisconsin Platteville, WI.

She was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ , The Ladies Guild and the Naomi Circle; an Honorary Member and Past Matron of St. Omar Chapter #90 Order of Eastern Star and a member of Amaranth Past Matron's Club; an Honorary Member and past president of the Monroe Woman's Club; past president and Honorary Member of the Monroe Country Club Auxiliary; Charter member of the Swiss Attic Fanciers - the Questers; member of the Monroe Arts and Activities organization; Charter member of the Green County Y.M.C.A.; member of N.E.A.; member of Wisconsin Retired Educators Association; Green County Retired Educators Association and a member of the Antique Wheelers Car Club.

Ruth was an avid sports person and a firm believer in physical fitness, she enjoyed golf, bowling, tennis, skiing, aerobics, line dancing and walking. She attended aerobic classes at the Senior Center and used the track and nautilus at the Y.M.C.A. She enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, working in her perennial garden, her roses and geraniums. She also enjoyed playing cards with friends and her bridge club members.

Survivors include nieces and nephews, also grand nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; William, sister; Mrs. Hazel (Fred) Luchsinger in 1989 and a brother Harold Bear in 2001.

Per Ruth's wishes there will be no visitation. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 4, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's United Church of Christ with Rev. Gretchen Sylvester officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established in her name to St. John's United Church of Christ, Monroe Clinic Hospice or American Heart Association of Wisconsin in Ruth's memory would be appreciated by the family.