Ruth Jones
February 11, 1927 - November 21, 2025
Obituary
Ruth (Anding) Jones, 98, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 21, 2025. She was born in Arena, WI, on February 11, 1927, to Roy and Laurene (Williams) Anding. Ruth attended the Arena area schools before completing her teaching degree at Platteville Teachers College. She married R. Jack Jones in 1948. They lived across the midwest before returning to Platteville in 1967 for Jack's faculty position in mining engineering at Wisconsin State University-Platteville. In the fall of 1969, Ruth accepted a teaching position in history at Lancaster High School. Ruth wrote, “I taught at Lancaster High School for 23 years. I had wonderful students and a wonderful faculty. We just had so much fun together and still do.”
In retirement, she enjoyed traveling to many places around the world, playing bridge, being a member of PEO Chapter AC, and participating in the 3M Investment Club. Ruth was a member of First English Lutheran Church in Platteville for 58 years. She loved living in the Platteville community. To quote Ruth, “Platteville is a wonderful little city. There are so many kind and loving people. I couldn't be more blessed.”
Ruth's family was the center of her life. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought her great joy, and they all adored her. She is survived by her children, Kedron (Harry) Wiersgalla, Janet (Jim) Lord, Lisa (Patti Enger) Jones , and John (Cathi) Jones. Her grandchildren are Anne (Kevin Sam) Wiersgalla, Stefan (Cristen McCarthy) Wiersgalla, Daniel (Sarah) Lord, Michael (Sarah Piampiano) Lord, Elizabeth Lord, Carolyn (Damian) DiGangi, Emily (Josh) Voegerl, and Zachary (Chey Wilson) Jones. Her great-grandchildren include Ava Lord, Maya Lord, Harrison Lord, and Lyla Voegerl. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jack, and her siblings, Jack Anding and Dorothy Cowling.
The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to Donna Digman who lovingly cared for Ruth for many years in her home. In addition, thank you to the staff of SSM Hospice and All Saints Neighborhood Assisted Living in Madison for their compassionate care. Ruth was blessed with many neighbors and friends who enriched her life and whom she dearly loved.
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at First English Lutheran Church, 215 W. Pine St., in Platteville. A reception with dessert and beverages will follow at the church. There will be no visitation prior to the service. A private burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to The Jones Family Engineering Scholarship at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville or The National Audubon Society. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.