Nancy J. Ruud, 88, of Burlington, WI, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026. Nancy was born in Evansville, IN, on February 10, 1938, to James and Sylvia (Fanta) Matthews. Nancy married the love of her life, the late Gary I. Ruud, on February 2nd, 1957, at the First Baptist Church in Waukegan, IL.
Nancy was a faithful servant to Jesus, her family, church, and neighbors. A devoted wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma, “G.G.” to her great-grandchildren, she loved her family immensely.
Nancy spent her career with Aurora Health Care, but her true passion was ministry. She served for 20 years as an Awana leader, taught Sunday school, and led 3rd and 4th-graders in Pioneer Club for five years. She also ministered through Child Evangelism Fellowship’s “Good News Club” and faithfully served in the ladies’ ministries at Faith Chapel Evangelical Free Church. At Community Baptist Church in Silver Lake, WI, Nancy served as a Deaconess and sang in the choir.
Nancy is survived by her children, Gary B. (Vicki) Ruud, Donna L. (Michael) Dennis, and David K. (Gina) Ruud; her grandchildren, Jason (Katie) Dennis, Josh (Kelly) Ruud, Eric (Devin) Dennis, Brian (Annalise) Dennis, Daniel Dennis, Michael Dennis, and Nathan Ruud; and her great-grandchildren, Zachary, Gabriella, Cadence, Hailee, Michaela, Leah, Brecken, Nora, Genevieve, Lucas, and Zane. Nancy is further survived by her sister Bonnie (Jim) Roche.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Gary, her daughter, Suzanne Lynn, and her sister, Norma.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s name to the Camp Fairwood Christian Youth and Family Camp, W7905 S. Pleasant Rd., Westfield, WI, 53964, would be greatly appreciated.
A funeral service will be held on May 13th, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Faith Chapel Evangelical Free Church, 141 Westridge Ave., Burlington, WI, 53105. A visitation will take place at the same location from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Nancy will be laid to rest at 2:00 P.M. at Mound Prairie Cemetery, 39000 104th Street, Twin Lakes, WI. We at Haase-Lockwood & Associates are proud to have served the Ruud family.
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