Home » Obits » McPeak, Ruth Ann Dawn

McPeak, Ruth Ann Dawn

Ruth Ann Dawn McPeak of New London entered peacefully into eternal life on January 5, 2021 at St. Joseph Residence, New London.

A devoted mother and wife, Ruth Ann was born to Rhinard and Ruth Lightfuss in Manawa in 1942. She attended Manawa High School, where she was an excellent student as well as a member of the marching band, playing the clarinet and twirling baton. One of her favorite memories she enjoyed sharing was in 1959, when she marched with her high school band down 5th Avenue in New York City. She received degrees in English and Music from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point; and so began her career as a lifetime educator. Starting out as an English teacher at Washington Junior Highschool in New London, she continued to teach in the New London and Fox Valley area for decades. There was not an instrument she could not pick up and play, nor a subject she could not teach. She only pressed pause on her career to raise her children. Even during those years, she still made time to teach piano lessons, play the organ at church, and volunteer her time to local community groups including the Jaycettes, Junior Women’s Club, St Joseph Residence, Most Precious Blood and United Methodist Churches. In 1965, Ruth Ann married Terrence (Terry) McPeak, and they recently celebrated 55 years of marriage on December 11, 2020. Ruth Ann and Terry had four children (Blaine, Chad, Troy, Stacy) to which she devoted her life and proudly supported them in any endeavor they undertook. As a patient and present mom, she always had time to make every meal, make a Halloween costume or prom dress, garden, help with homework, and we are certain that if she is reading this, she will be making sure all the grammar is perfect! One of the accomplishments she was most proud of was that all four of her children earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where she made sure they always had consistent shipments of homemade cookies and party mix. When Ruth Ann did sit down to rest a bit, it was usually to work on her crossword puzzles or to cheer on the Packers or Brewers.

She is survived by her loving husband Terry; her children, Blaine (Anne) of Colorado, Chad, Troy, and Stacy McPeak (Pat McGee) of California; grandchildren, Noah and Claire McPeak, and Francis McGee; sisters-in-law, Barb Lightfuss, Pat Moriarity, Pat McPeak, Betsy McPeak and many nieces and nephews. Ruth Ann is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Arden Lightfuss; her in-laws, Vivian and George Motto, Geri and Dave Flanagan, Ercel McPeak, Delores and Ted Raschke, Sally and Peter Jensen, Dawn Petersen, Sharon and Bob Petersen, and Mike McPeak.

Services will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in New London with Fr. John Kleinschmidt presiding. A visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. will be followed by mass at 11:00 a.m. Face coverings and social distancing will be practiced. A private burial will be held separately in Most Precious Blood Cemetery, New London.

Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London is serving the family. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com

Scroll to Top