Ruth E. Neelis, age 85, a Manitowoc resident, entered eternal life late Saturday morning, March 4, 2017 at Rivers Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Manitowoc.

Ruth was born on October 12, 1931 in Manitowoc. She was the daughter of the late Edward and Helen Junk Spiering. Ruth was a graduate of Lincoln High School with the class of 1950. She was involved in the real estate business in Manitowoc for many years. Ruth had been a past Girl Scout leader of the Peto Troop #7. She enjoyed music and played the clarinet with several local Manitowoc bands in her youth. Ruth enjoyed reading, drawing and listening to classical music. She was a member of First German Ev. Lutheran Church.

She is survived by three sons: Lawrence R. Neelis, Florida; Kevin D. (Victoria) Neelis, Manitowoc; Raulf (Karen) Neelis, New Jersey; four daughters: Roxanne (Randy) Schram, Indiana; LaVonne Kunesh, Two Rivers; Cherrise Roseberry, Green Bay; Francene Taylor, Michigan; fifteen grandchildren, five great grandchildren, one brother: Charles (Carol) Spiering, Manitowoc; one sister: Anne Gleichner, Manitowoc; nieces, nephews along with other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents: Edward and Helen Spiering; one brother: Donald Spiering; and one brother-in-law: Dewayne Gleichner.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Officiating will be Rev. Christoper Hoppe. Cremation will follow at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel with burial of the cremains to take place at Knollwood Cemetery at a later date. Relatives and friends may call at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Following the funeral services a luncheon will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the funeral home. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

Ruth loved many things in life, but above all she loved caring for her children.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.