Ruth C. Meulemans, Freedom, 98, died Friday September 23, 2011 at Appleton Health Care Center. She was born January 9, 1913 in Freedom to the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Stammer) Appleton. Ruth married Theodore Meulemans at St. Nicholas Parish on June 26, 1933. He preceded her in death on June 24, 1994. Ruth was a lifelong member of St. Nicholas Parish and graduated from St. Nicholas School. She served as president of the Christian Mothers and was a member of the Freedom Golden Agers. Ruth lived and farmed with her husband in the Town of Osborn and later worked at the Modern Convalescent Home. She also worked at the Appleton Franciscan Home in the dietary department. Ruth enjoyed flowers and playing bingo and cards. She loved her children and grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by her children and their families:

Lois (Tom) McMorrow, Kaukauna and their children: Laureen (Miles) Cherkasky, Jeff McMorrow, Jeanne (Todd) Gilson and Julie McMorrow;

Janet (Jim) Weyenberg, Freedom and their children: Sandy (Tom) Vanden Hogen, Connie (Tom) Reinke, Lori (Randy) Van Camp and Scott (Lori) Weyenberg;

Barbara (Tom) Elliott, Little Chute and their children: Greg (special friend Barb Hanson) Elliott, Thomas (special friend Jennie Mc Lean) Elliott and Kelly (Jim) Koster;

Joan Frederickson, Little Chute and her children: Doug (Amy) Frederickson, Mary Jo (Bruce) Leifermann and Lynn (Mark) Timm;

Karlene (Donald) Janssen, Shawano and their children: Randy (Beth) Janssen, Debbie (Rick) Nelson, Sarah (special friend Mike Olmstead) Janssen and Troy (Lisa) Janssen;

Gary (Janice) Meulemans, Kaukauna and their children: Gary J. Meulemans, Tammy (Chad) Bader and Chad (Jen) Meulemans;

Jim (Mary Kay) Meulemans, Freedom and their children: Lori (Craig) Hansen and Lisa (Mike) Sitter.

Ruth is further survived by her brother, Joseph Appleton; 30 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; 8 step great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by her great granddaughter Amanda Reinke; son-in-law Roger "Fritz" Frederickson; brothers and sisters: Edna (Jack) Nienhaus, Della (Felix) Meulemans, Marion (Bernie) Kemps and Jerry (Alice) Appleton; sister-in-law Roseann Appleton; and Ted's brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be held Tuesday September 27, 2011 at ST. NICHOLAS PARISH (W2037 County Road S Freedom) beginning at 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 12:00 Noon. The Rev. David Hoffman will officiate. Committal St. Nicholas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in Ruth's name.

The family would like to thank the staff at Appleton Health Care Center for the wonderful care given to Ruth during her stay.