Ruth Louise Kukuska, age 83, passed away Sunday, October 18, 2020 at her residence on Lake Namekagon. She was born on July 12, 1937 in a cabin on the west fork of the Chippewa River, the daughter of William and Adeline (Deverel) Metcalf and grew up in the Moose Lake area. She was united in marriage to John Rollo Kukuska on May 9, 2008.

Ruth purchased the Wayside Inn in Hayward after years of working there as a waitress.  She loved her spot of Lake Namekagon and enjoyed fishing and pontoon rides.  She was a gracious host and often entertained family and friends for cookouts. She was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and a dedicated cribbage player.  Ruth and John enjoyed spending their winters in Orange Beach, Alabama. Ruth was a walking history book and was the one to go to for information about her family and surrounding area.

She is survived by her beloved husband, John Kukuska of Cable, WI; her children, Jayne (William) Pfeifer of Mesquite, NV and Frederick (Lisa) Cook of Hayward, WI; her grandson, Carl William Cook of Hayward, WI; her sister-in-law, Beverly Metcalf of Hayward, WI; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Ruth is preceded in death by her siblings, Clarence “Buck” Metcalf, Jack Metcalf, Frank Metcalf, and Priscilla Henchel.

All services and interment will be held privately.

Last Update: Oct 23, 2020 12:30 pm CDT