Lois Margaret Ruppel, 90, of Cumberland joyfully joined her Savior, Jesus, on January 12, 2019 at her home in the company of her loving family. She was born May 15, 1928 in Elgin, IL, the only child of Robert and Elvira (Lehman) Griffith. During her youth, she traveled extensively with her family throughout the west. Her father, whom she adored, passed away while Lois was still in high school. Witnessing her mother overcome that adversity provided Lois a wonderful example and instilled in her an inner strength that guided the rest of her life. She was married in Madison, WI on June 25, 1949 to Richard Walter Ruppel. They honeymooned in Northern Wisconsin and chose Cumberland to raise their family of seven children. For many years the Ruppel home also became home to their three elderly parents.

Lois was a beautiful soul who spent her life in service to her Lord, Jesus, and other people, as a mother, bookkeeper for the family business, choir director at St. Paul Lutheran Church, teacher, daughter, friend and philanthropist. Lois's love of music and the importance she placed on education became cornerstones of family life and the values passed to her children and many others. She and Richard traveled south many winters, played golf and bridge together and spent many hours volunteering their time and talents to their community and church.

She leaves wonderful memories with her husband, Richard; children: Steve (Karen) Ruppel of Coeur d'Alene, ID, Diane Ruppel Brion of Fall Creek, WI, Ron (Nancy) Ruppel of Cumberland, Mark (Terri) Ruppel of Cumberland, Connie (Buddy) Weathers of Benton, KY, Jackie Nieman of West Bend, WI and Marianne Guilfoyle of Muscoda, WI; grandchildren: Luke Ruppel, Aric (Lindsey) Ruppel, Natalie (Dan) Curtin, Amber Brion, Theodore Brion, Riley Brion, Robert (Angie) Ruppel, Janelle (Scott) Hagen, Griff (Megan) Ruppel, Graham (Kellsey) Ruppel, Hannah Weathers, Emilie (Chris) Nieman-Witt, Samantha Nieman; great grandchildren: Barrett, Lucy, Alex, Arthur, Avalon, Vienna, Ziva, Harrison, Nautica, Wren, Rhowen, Dylan, Zimmer, Grayson and Finley; many precious Godchildren especially Chris Hopkins-Hile.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, January 18, 2019 at St. Paul Lutheran Church Cumberland with Pastor John Miels officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. Memorials will be directed to Enrichment Through Culture, Lutherans for Life, Bethesda Lutheran Home and St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Skinner Funeral Home of Cumberland is serving the family.

Last Update: Jan 16, 2019 8:38 am CST