Ruth L. Froeliger

Ruth L. Froeliger, 92, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away in the early hours of December 31, 2025, at UW Swedish American Hospital. Ruth was born on January 27, 1933, to Delbert and Sylvia Olmstead, in Mt. Ida, Wisconsin. Ruth was raised in Rockton, Illinois, and graduated from Hononegah High School. She worked with Greenlee’s and Camcar Textron over the years, but above all else being a mother was her top priority.

Ruth was also devoted to her faith, studying the Bible as often as possible. In her earlier years, she attended Berean Baptist Church. When the weather was nice, Ruth loved to surround herself with nature. She loved to garden a little bit of everything, but mostly flowers. Ruth also maintained her home in a tidy fashion and slightly obsessed over making sure the floor was swept. Once the house was organized and clean, she loved to decorate with new antiques she had come across. She loved her family dearly, and spent any chance she had with them, as well as her fur-babies Josie, Lottie and Bucky. She had quite the system with them, as Josie slept with her in the bed, and Lottie napped with her on the couch.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Sheri Havens-Minnick and Pamela Cannon; granddaughters, Torie Minnick and Crystal (John) Cox; great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Austin, Sydney, Trinity, Natalee and Alyssa; many great-great grandchildren; niece, LaRae Larson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Sylvia; sister, Helen Jarl; brother, Harlan Olmstead who passed away in World War 2; fur-baby, Beasley.

Per Ruth's wishes, services will be conducted privately.

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you – John 14:2