Ruth Ann Pantle

Ruth Ann Pantle, 94, of Fredonia, died Tuesday, Sept. 11, at Kathy Hospice in West Bend.

Mrs. Pantle was born in Edgerton on April 1, 1924, to Charles and Naomi Croft Smith.

She grew up in Edgerton and graduated from high school in 1942.

After school, she worked at a munitions factory in Indiana during World War II.

In 1947, she married Edward Collier. They later divorced.

On Sept. 12, 1962, she married Howard Pantle. The couple lived in Slinger and in 1968 bought their farm in Fredonia.

Mrs. Pantle was a certified nursing assistant for many years.

In retirement, she cared for several family members in her home during their final years.

She also loved gardening, and with her family owned and operated Pioneer Garden Center for nearly 20 years.

Mrs. Pantle is survived by her husband Howard of Fredonia; sons Thomas (Diane) Collier of Hazelhurst, Mark (Laura) Pantle of Fredonia and Stephen (Lorice) Pantle of West Bend.

She is further survived by grandchildren Paula (Patrick) Brennan, Amy (Erik) Ciriacks, Scott (Megan) Collier, Lindsay (Scott Hensley) Collier, Ben Collier, Ann Idt, Christopher Idt, Dianna (Shawn Hoffman) Pantle, Erik Pantle, Mitchell Bustamante, Hannah Bustamante, Mason Pantle, Sienna Pantle, Courtney (Daniel) Meyer, Kayla (Stephen Scheel) Schmitt and Kenzie Pantle; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law Jean Smith of Fredonia and brother-in-law Kenneth (Patricia) Pantle of Illinois.

Mrs. Pantle was preceded in death by her parents; daughters Patricia Hass and Jennifer Idt; son-in-law John Idt; sister Marion (Robert) Ettinger; brother Charles Smith; and brothers and sisters-in-law Gilbert (Gloria) Pantle, Alvin Pantle, William (Carole) Pantle, Charles (Elizabeth) Pantle and Beatrice (Edward) Sjoberg.

A funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, at Eernisse Funeral in Cedarburg. The Rev. Mike Henry will preside.

Visitation will be at the funeral home Friday from 3 p.m. until the service.

Memorials to the American Diabetes Association are suggested.