Ruth M. Gerrits, Kaukauna, died Friday, March 24, 2023, at the age of 96. She was born on October 4, 1926, in Appleton to the late William and Leona (Lorenz) Heiman. Ruth married Donald Gerrits at St. Joseph Parish in Appleton on October 23, 1948. Together, they enjoyed 59 years of marriage, raising their 10 children, before Donald's passing in 2008. Ruth worked at Kaukauna Cheese until her retirement in 1987.

Ruth is survived by her children: Kaye Eiting, Combined Locks; Joyce Larson, Kaukauna; Don (Peggy) Gerrits, Kaukauna; Carla Bates, Schofield; John (Terri) Gerrits, Kaukauna; Pam (Jim) Rosin, Kaukauna; Cork Gerrits (special friend Steve Klug), Oshkosh; Lynn (Keith) Fiala, Kaukauna; Amy (Jay) Jansen, Kaukauna; and her son-in-law, Mitch Sultze, Kaukauna. Ruth is further survived by her 27 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren, as well as her siblings, Carl Heiman and Dorothy Moderson.

In addition to her parents, Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her daughter, Lori Sultze; sons-in-law: Dan Bates, Michael Nackers, and Tom Eiting; brothers Henry (Marcie) Heiman and infant William Heiman; and siblings-in-law: Rita Heiman, Merlin Moderson, Leo (Gladys) Gerrits, Agnes (John) Schreurs, Sadie (Henry) Vande Loo, Martha (Ben) Ver Boort, Florence (Ky) Devroy, Eva (George) Schreurs, Ray (Lorraine) Gerrits, Edward (Betty) Gerrits, Pete (Agnes) Gerrits, Evelyn (Kenny) Hibbard and Donald's infant sister, Mamie.

Visitation for Ruth will be held Saturday, April 1, 2023, beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of Funeral at 11:00 a.m. at ST. KATHARINE DREXEL PARISH – ST. MARY'S CHURCH (119 W. 7th Street, Kaukauna). Committal St. Mary's Cemetery.