Donna L. Ruch, age 88, of Monroe, died unexpectedly at her home on Monday, October 28, 2024. Donna was born on September 20, 1936 in Freeport, IL, the daughter of Nelson and Dora (Popp) Kempel. She graduated from Pearl City High School and was united in marriage to Roger C. Ruch on September 28, 1962 in Kent, IL. They lived in Rockford before moving to Monroe in 1972. Donna worked at the Monroe Times and for 25 years in the Swiss Colony purchasing department before retiring.

She was a long time member of Grace Lutheran Church and the Naomi Circle, Women of the Moose #599 serving as Sr. Regent, and was active in the Behring Senior Center. She enjoyed volunteering in the hospital gift shop, served as an election poll worker, and was an Avon representative for many years. She enjoyed bowling with her husband and was currently still active in a league.

She will be dearly missed by her three daughters, Melinda (Donald) Banicki of Rockford, IL, Rhonda Ruch Rast of Sun Prairie, Lori Ruch of Middleton; four grandchildren, Zach Rast (Holly Olm), Alexis (Christopher) Argianas, Olivia Farin, and Max Farin. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roger C. Ruch in 1988; son, Roger S. Ruch in 2022; and two brothers, LaVerl and James Kempel.

Donna lived a very full and happy life surrounded by her family and countless friends who adored her. Although she endured many difficult losses of loved ones in her lifetime, she stayed strong and persevered with her optimistic outlook on life. With her sparkling personality, she always welcomed any social outing and was always dressed for the occasion.  Her smile lit up a room and her laugh was a pure joy to experience. Donna will be missed tremendously by all who loved her and will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity and her love for her family and friends.  She was truly a one of a kind lady.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 12:00 p.m., at Grace Lutheran Church, Monroe, with Pastor John Tabaka officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Memorials will go toward a bench in Donna’s name to be placed in Twining Park. The Newcomer Funeral Home, Monroe, is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Nephew, David Kempel, for his loving care.