Ruth Marie Hibbard
PORTAGE – Ruth Marie Hibbard, age 93, of Portage, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Our House Assisted Living, in Wisconsin Dells.
Ruth was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to Chester M. and Candace I. (Grover) Barnes on October 2, 1932. She married Horace O. Hibbard on September 1, 1954. They had two sons, Jeffrey D. (Shelby) and James R. (Barbara).
Ruth is survived by her children; sister-in-law; many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother and sister-in-law, Donald G. (Joan) Barnes; brother and sister-in-law, Ronald G. (Amy) Barnes; and sister and brother-in-law, Carolee (Rick) Recob.
Ruth attended Elkhorn High School and then Delavan High School. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education from UW-Whitewater. Ruth was an elementary school teacher at Lakewood School in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. She retired in 1992 and moved to Eagle River, Wisconsin. Ruth enjoyed singing and playing the piano. She sang in various barbershop singing groups and formed a barbershop quartet called “The Lost Chords” with three of her friends. The quartet was invited to perform in many of our nation’s cities including Dallas, Washington D.C., and New Orleans. The group traveled to Chicago in 1963 to appear on the television program “The Ted Mack Amateur Hour.” Ruth was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, in Eagle River. She also had memberships in Sweet Adelines, Kentucky Colonels, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Red Hat Society. Ruth also did volunteer work for the Eagle River Hospital Thrift Store.
The family would like to thank all the staff at Our House, in Wisconsin Dells, as well as all the staff at Heritage House, in Portage, for the wonderful care they provided to their loved one. Also, thanks to all the nurses, caregivers, and social workers at Moments Hospice.
A Celebration of Life Service and luncheon will be held at the Portage VFW, 215 Collins Street, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in her name.
Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.
