Dorothy L. Ruskell, 96, of Onalaska, died January 14, 2014 at the Onalaska Care Center.

Dorothy was born in Norwalk, WI on August 11, 1917 to Frank and Cora (Menn) Schell. She graduated from high school in Norwalk and went on to business school in Sparta. She worked at National Guardian Life insurance company in Madison for 11 years.

Dorothy married Harlan Ruskell on October 27, 1945 in Norwalk, Wisconsin. They had two children, Mark and Diane, farmed for many years and she worked as the secretary at the Norwalk Creamery. In 1965 the family moved to Onalaska and Dorothy was the office manager for American Millwork Company until her retirement in 1976.

Dorothy’s top priority was always her family and she was happiest when she spent time with them. She had many friends, and enjoyed volunteering, knitting, traveling and gardening. She always had a smile to share.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Diane and David Schumacher of Onalaska; two granddaughters, McKenna (Steve) Pfeiffer of River Falls, WI and Nicole (Leo) D’Amico, La Spezia, Italy; great grandchildren, Sophia and Griffin Pfeiffer; sisters-in-law, Doris Thoreson and Dorothy Miller, Jackson, MN and Marian Olson, Kailua,Hawaii; and, son’s fiancée, Jaye Marcorelle, Los Gatos, CA.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harlan; their son, Mark; and her brother, Neil.

A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church, 2503 Main St., La Crosse, WI at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2014. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Rev. Bill Hoglund will officiate. Interment will be in Wanderers Rest Cemetery in Norwalk, WI at a later date. Memorials are preferred and may be directed to the First Congregational Church, Norwalk United Methodist Church or the Salvation Army. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dorothy lived her life by this, “Scatter seeds of kindness everywhere you go; scatter bits of courtesy-watch them grow. Gather buds of friendship, keep them till full-blown; you will find more happiness than you have ever known” (Amy Raabe).The family thanks the staff at the Onalaska Care Center for their wonderful care, support and friendship