RUTH FLORENCE (nee HUTH) HOEPNER. June 27, 1920 - April 21, 2026. Ruth was born in Ellensburg, WA, to Rev. William Robert Huth and Flora Ann (nee Luck) Huth. She was baptized by her father at Good Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ellensburg.

Ruth was confirmed at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI, on March 25, 1934 by Rev. Paul Born. Ruth’s Confirmation Bible verse was Isaiah 43:1 King James Version. “But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” 

Ruth graduated from Zion Lutheran Elementary parochial school in Milwaukee, WI. For three years Ruth attended the Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, WI. Ruth graduated from Slinger High School, in Slinger, WI, May 13, 1938.

Ruth and her youngest sister Vera wanted to be Lutheran school teachers. About August 1944 Ruth and Vera planned to begin their teacher training together at Dr. Martin Luther College (DMLC), New Ulm, MN. But before the sisters left for college, the Lord Called Ruth to teach the upper four grades at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church’s Elementary School, West Allis, WI. Ruth changed her plans. Ruth accepted the Call to teach there and did not go on to DMLC. Vera went on to DMLC without Ruth. Later Ruth took higher education courses in the summers and weekends. While Ruth taught school at Good Shepherd, Ruth also served this congregation as their part-time organist.

Ruth next taught at Winnebago Lutheran Academy High School, Fond du Lac, WI. Ruth married her fellow high school instructor, the Rev. Walter Hoepner, on December 25, 1966. In November 1972 Ruth and Walter moved to Hurley because Walter accepted the Call to be pastor at both the Hurley and Mercer churches. Walter passed away in April 2002. Ruth continued living in Hurley until her death.

Ruth worked in Wisconsin as a Lutheran school teacher, as a church organist and later in life, as a pastor's wife (Hurley and Mercer, WI). Ruth was creative. She painted and had practical skills with textiles and yarns. Ruth wove garments on her loom at home and Ruth wove rugs on looms at the Iron County Historical Museum in Hurley.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, the Rev. William R. Huth and Florence Ann (Luck) Huth. Ruth, their oldest child, outlived her three siblings and their spouses: Walter (Carla, Jan) Huth, Lenore (Harvey) Krueger, and Vera (Elroy) Stark. Ruth was also preceded in death by her niece Rebecca (Krueger) Baron, and two nephews, James Krueger and Dr. Thomas Stark. Ruth is survived by other nieces, nephews and friends. Ruth will be dearly missed.

Per her wishes, Ruth was cremated. Pastor Caleb Raasch will conduct Ruth's Christian funeral service Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Visitation at 1:00PM, 1:30PM funeral at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 309 2nd Ave. N, Hurley, WI 54534-1108. In lieu of flowers, Ruth had asked that donations may be made to her St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church.

At 3:00PM Friday, May 15, 2026, Ruth’s remains will be placed with her husband Walter in Theresa Union Cemetery, Union Cemetery is located at n 9211 WI-175 in Theresa, Wisconsin 53091. There they both await the Great Day of Resurrection to Everlasting Joy.

Ruth was thankful for the many kind attentive people who helped her in Hurley businesses, at her church and at Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center. In lieu of flowers, Ruth had asked that donations be made to her St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.