Ruth Enloe

Ruth Mae Lorrene (Popp) Enloe of Rewey, WI was born May 14, 1927 to John and Erma (Amy) Gehrke Popp in Belmont, WI. Ruth died at the age of 96 on September 20, 2023 at Mel's Haven in Dodgeville, WI. Ruth died knowing she was loved beyond measure with family members present.   Is there a greater gift than this?  She is preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, William “Bill” Enloe (August 10, 2019)  her infant great grandson Roman Brooks Woodward (November 30, 2022) her parents, siblings, brothers, brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws; except for Alyce and Sara Popp. 

Ruth attended and graduated valedictorian from Rewey High School in 1945.  During high school, Homecoming King, William (Bill) Enloe asked her to be his Queen and fortunately for many, she said yes.  These high school sweethearts were married on November 6, 1947 and “all because two people fell in love,” they were blessed throughout their 72 years of marriage with their seven children:  Judith (Robert) Casper, Robert (Myra) Enloe, Jean (Robert) Breslow, Steven (Barb) Enloe, Richard (Linda) Enloe, Janet (Jeffery) Woodward, and Joanne (David) Merriam, 16 grandchildren: Debra Hill, Doug Casper, Brad Casper, Zane Enloe, Sage Enloe, Jenny Klein, Karly Enloe, Abe Enloe, Kate Gorman, Sam Enloe, Grace Mulgrew, Killian Woodward, Kelsey Woodward, Allen Merriam, Abigail Nelson and Andrew Merriam and 19 great grandchildren (3 more on the way anticipated to arrive in November, December and February) and 1 great great grandchild. Numerous nieces and nephews knew her love, warmth and wit as well.

Ruth and Bill settled on their farm in 1947 and lived and raised their family there until Bill's death in August of 2019. Their devotion to each other was role model worthy. Shortly after Bill's death, Ruth moved to Mel's Haven in Dodgeville, WI.

Ruth was an indispensable partner to Bill as in his words, “She could drive a tractor as well as any man and usually with a kid upon her lap.”  Milking cows, baling hay and raising kids was her norm.  Ruth's favorite title was Mom and later Grandma Ruth.  Actions speak louder than words so Mom didn't say, “I love you,” but rather, “You should.”  She then demonstrated her love through her hugs, tears, and  patented embrace of putting both of her hands on one of her many loves' faces while looking into their eyes. Mom spent many nights counting shoes to see whether her children were home yet. Her homemade buns, pies, cakes, and rolls were often attempted by others, but never duplicated. A talented seamstress, she made hand-crafted designed and sewn garments anywhere from baseball caps to wedding gowns.  Quilting and crocheting kept her hands busy; something that she truly enjoyed. Friends and family cherish the legacy of her talented hands across the globe. Sacrificing a night's sleep to rock a sick baby, cuddle someone who had a nightmare or give comfort to one of her kids who was hurting that was, “I love you.” Grandma Ruth watched over many a grand or great grandchild in “Enloe Town,” while their parents farmed and worked. 

Thinking of Mom, one of her granddaughter's, Kate, wrote about how Grandma Ruth's love reminded her of the children's book and song, “I love you forever.”  Kate was rocking her sweet boy and sang to him, “I love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.”  This caused her to reflect on what she was singing, and what those words meant to her.  Because of the love of her parents and Grandma Ruth she came to the realization that she doesn't agree with the song at all, especially, “As long as I'm living, my baby, you'll be.”  In Kate's words, “And I have to say, I don't believe that part.  Not for one second.  A mother's love doesn't end when she stops living.  A mother's love is too great for that.  A mother's love lives on in her children until they are reunited once again…and arguably that love will live on through their children's children. FOREVER. Those fortunate to know Mom/Grandma Ruth would agree with Kate completely. 

Off the farm, Ruth and Bill were 4-H leaders for the Mifflin Toppers for years.  Ruth was an active member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Cobb, WI as a parishioner and Sunday School teacher for many years.  Classic hymns, prayers and meaningful sermons brightened her weeks.

Family and her faith in God were always her top priorities.  All were welcome in her home for a homemade bun, shared laughter and a place to stay.  Picnics and swimming at Governor Dodge State Park, large Christmas gatherings and having a kid in her lap as often as possible filled her heart with joy.  As Ruth takes a “closer walk with thee,” she will be dearly missed, but her legacy of love and family lives on in every embrace, tear, smile and “shoe checking.”

Services will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at Grace Lutheran Church, Dodgeville, WI with Pastor Mark Williamson officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until time of service at noon. Following the service, a luncheon will be held. Burial will follow at the Mifflin Cemetery. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.   In lieu of flowers, plants and memorials the family asks you to consider: sharing a Ruth memory with someone, donating to your local place of worship, giving to your local food pantry, contributing to Alzeihmer's research or, giving to the Roman Brooks Woodward Foundation,  PO Box 819, Arrington, TN 37014