Ruth Stoltz

Ruth Gladys Stoltz, age 79 of Portage passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Ruth was born on September 19, 1946 to Clarence and Madeline (Goodwin) Holden in Wisconsin Rapids. She was one of 19 children. Ruth married Jack Stoltz on November 11, 1995 in Dane and they were blessed with 20 years of marriage until his passing in 2015.

Ruth was an avid reader who enjoyed gardening, canning, making jams and salsas as well as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords and listening to classical and country music.

Ruth is survived by her two children: Shelly Vaught, her husband Tom, Stacy Horsfall, his wife Kim, as well as two granddaughters: Emma and Piper Vaught and step-granddaughter, Hayleigh Ackley and her fiancé Tyrique Dampier. She is also survived by her sisters: Marcella, Doris, Caroline, Karen, Rosemary and Linda and by her brother, Donald, along with many extended family members as well as Emily Bates who was like a granddaughter to her. She will be greatly missed by her faithful canine companion Bingo. She was also very close with the Amish community.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Lutrell “Pinky” and brothers: Walter, Eudell “Junior”, Alvy, Raymond, Thomas, Jack, Russel, Jesse “Joe”, Lyle and Rodger.

A funeral service for Ruth Stoltz will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 12:00 PM at the Crawford Funeral Home in Montello. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the hour of service. Pastor Mike Vargo will preside and Ruth will be laid to rest next to her husband at Central Wisconsin Veteran’s Cemetery at King following the service.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to SSM Hospice, especially Ruth’s favorite nurses Daelen and Melonie, her favorite CNA Tiki and Dr. LoConte, and to Visiting Angels, particularly Ruthie, who all became an extension of the family for their compassionate care and support of Ruth and her loved ones. Their dedication made it possible for Ruth to remain in her home during her final days, fulfilling her greatest wish.

Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service of Montello and Oxford is honored to be serving the family. www.CrawfordFH.com