Ruth Shafer passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Riverbend in Amery, WI.

Ruth Evelyn (Weigang) Shafer was born on March 18, 1928 in Clear Lake, WI to George and Martha (Voidt) Weigang. Ruth was confirmed at Balsam Lutheran Church on June 20, 1943. She attended Volga Grade School and graduated from Amery High School in 1946. After graduation, she worked at Wisconsin Hydro Electric as a secretary for six years.

In 1946, Ruth met Gordon Shafer at the Avalon Roller Rink. They both loved to dance and went to wherever there was old time music. Ruth and Gordon married on December 14, 1948. They had two children, Rebecca (Becky) and John.

Ruth loved being a homemaker. The house was always spotless and there were always cookies or some type of goody. Her colorful flower gardens kept her busy in the summer; there was nothing that made her happier than making the yard look nice. Summertime also meant motorcycle rides, which much to everyone’s surprise, she loved! Ruth and Gordon owned Gordy’s Bar in Amery from 1963-1979 and she waitressed there on Saturday nights, something else she enjoyed. The winter months would be her time for embroidery and candlewicking. And of course anytime was a good time to visit with the Grandkids! Unfortunately in her later years she was forced to give up many of her hobbies due to poor eyesight caused by Macular Degeneration.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Becky Green and son, John Shafer (Sonia); grandchildren, Holly Green, Sarah Riendeau (Aaron), Melissa Shafer, Alana Rouland (Aaron), and Bryan Shafer; and great-grandchildren, Vanessa, Addison, Nolan, and Finley Riendeau, Ashlyn Behrman, Jadon Presley, and Ava and Ana Rouland.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Shafer; her parents, George and Martha Weigang; her brothers and their wives, Wayne and Kay Weigang and George and Florance Weigang; and her son-in-law, DuWayne Green.

Ruth’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the Congregational Church in Amery, WI. Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00pm, followed by a funeral service at 2:00pm and burial at Amery Cemetery. Luncheon to follow. To celebrate Ruth’s 97 years of life and her love of the beautiful flowers in her gardens, feel free to wear something colorful.

Last Update: Aug 25, 2025 8:17 am CDT