Ruth Ethel Brown, 88, of La Crosse, WI and formerly of Mt. Prospect, IL, passed away March 27, 2015 at the Rolling Hills Rehabilitation Center in Sparta, WI. She was born October 29, 1926 to Albert and Josephine Burgess. Ruth married Lowell Brown on July 16, 1949 in Tower, MN. He passed away January 25, 2009.

Ruth enjoyed ceramics, singing in the choir, and teaching Sunday school.  She had a passion for dogs, and especially loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Terri Brown Knowles (Kriss) of Batavia, IL, and their children, Kelly Knowles Surles (Chad) of Chicago, IL and Jacki Knowles of Peru, IL; Robert Brown (Cheryl Beattie) of Sterling Heights, MI; Paul Brown (Carleen Poellinger) of La Crosse, WI, and their children, Paulie Brown, Eleanor Brown, Thomas Brown; siblings, Jack Burgess, Bob Burgess, Joanne Lindberg (Burgess); and many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Lowell; parents; siblings, Lin Burgess, Bud Burgess, Dell Burgess, Bill Burgess.

A private memorial service will be held for Ruth at a later date. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.