It is with deep sadness that the Madison Area USBC announces the passing of Ruth Ann Gierhart, a cherished member of our bowling community and a 2000 inductee into our Hall of Fame. Ruth Ann’s contributions to our association and the sport of bowling were immeasurable. Her passion, dedication, and sportsmanship left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday June 29, 2024 at 3 pm at Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4319 Tokay Blvd., in Madison.
Ruth Ann Gierhart April 20, 1938 – May 20, 2024Ruth Ann Gierhart, age 86, of Middleton, passed away on Monday May 20, 2024, after a fierce and courageous battle with Parkinson’s. She was born on April 20, 1938, in Argyle, the daughter of Alton and Eva (Nelson) Hermanson.
Ruth was raised on a dairy farm in rural Argyle Wisconsin. She enjoyed many evenings polka dancing at Turner Dance Hall with her family and friends. She graduated from Argyle High School in 1957. Ruth married the love of her life, Roger Lee Gierhart, on Oct. 1, 1960, at Apple Grove Lutheran Church. They moved to Madison and started their married lives together and what a beautiful life they had. Their two children, Caroline and Roger were born while living in their Segoe Road neighborhood home where they made lifelong friends. After a few years they moved into Arbor Hills. Ruth and Roger’s friends were an extension of their family, the neighborhood was a site for constant parties, gatherings and plenty of shenanigans.
In the 1970’s they purchased a trailer on Lake Wisconsin and eventually built a home across the bay. That lake home held many happy memories for the whole family. Ruth loved hosting family and friends, cooking for everyone. She would spend entire days out on the boat, spotting for water skiers all summer long.
Ruth and Roger were loyal Badger basketball and football season ticket holders for many years as well as Badger Booster Club Members. They attended several Bowl games including Rose Bowl appearances. Badger Basketball was by far her favorite, she attended games at the Field House and then at the Kohl Center as long as she could and never missed a game on tv thereafter, cheering just as loudly as she would have in person.
Ruth had a passion for life that started with her family and friends and extended out to her many hobbies. Her competitive nature was a sight to behold. Whether playing a rowdy game of Euchre or cribbage, competing on the golf course or a trip to the casino; she was in it to win it and she usually did. From sunup to sundown, Ruth was on the go. Living life to the fullest, never wasting a day. They loved to travel and took many trips with cherished friends and family, traversing the country and into Canada.
Ruth was a spectacular bowler, competing at a high level for decades. She participated in singles and doubles leagues, traveling to many tournaments around the state and across the country, even competing in locally televised tournaments. Ruth rolled two perfect 300 games and in the year 2000, was inducted into the Madison Area USBC Bowlers Hall of Fame. Ruth and Roger bowled in the same couples league for more than 40 years. Bowling wasn’t her only talent, Ruth was also a skilled golfer. Roger and Ruth enjoyed playing in golf leagues together for many years. Ruth even had a hole in one during a trip to Mesa, AZ.
She is survived by her two children, Caroline (Denis) Troia and Roger (Peggy) Gierhart, both of Madison; her five grandchildren, Jennifer and Taylor Troia and Reilly, Rory, and Ryan Gierhart; her sister Reta (John) Kratochvil and brothers Rolyn (Mary) Hermanson, and Dorian Hermanson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her her husband Roger, parents, a brother, four brothers-in-laws and three sisters-in-laws.
Ruth was the center of our family, always present at every event and our loudest cheerleader. Her spunk, tenacity, competitiveness and humor made her the life of the party but it was her love for her family that was her driving force and truly kept her going. We will miss that love every day but are comforted by the fact that we will carry on her many traditions and because of her, our family bond is strong.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday June 29, 2024 at 3 pm at MIDVALE COMMUNITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4319 Tokay Blvd., in Madison, with the Rev. Katie Baardseth officiating. A private burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Argyle at a later date. A Visitation will be held on Saturday June 29, 2024, from 2 pm until the time of the service at the church.
The Erickson Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Argyle is serving the family, online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry Mailing address is PO Box 259686, Madison, WI 53725 or by visiting https://svdpmadison.org/donate/
