RUTH DEMAND

Ruth Lorraine (Hough) Demand, Age 91 of Neenah, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 26th after a very blessed life. She was born on October 20, 1923 in Monroe, North Carolina. Ruth graduated from Monroe High School and went on to attend Queen's College in Charlotte, North Carolina. In her sophomore year, WWII began and during summer vacation, Ruth decided to hone her secretarial skills by taking the position of Secretary to the Commanding Officer at Camp Sutton near her Monroe home. A young handsome Army officer named Loren John Demand was smitten at first sight when he saw this beautiful young woman and as the war ended, a great romance began! Ruth and Loren were married in Charlotte on September 8, 1945 and then they returned to Loren's hometown of Neenah to begin their long and happy life together until his death on November 11 (Veteran's Day) in 2008. Ruth worked for Kimberly Clark until the birth of their only child, Melanie, in 1960. Her love of young people then steered her toward a very fulfilling career at Neenah High School (Armstrong campus) from 1971-1979 where she worked as a Multi-Department Aid and Structured Study Hall Supervisor. She mentored and counseled many of the students who cherished her friendship and appreciated her sage advice. Ruth was also very generous with her time volunteering at Theda Clark Hospital, at the YMCA, fund-raising for the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. She coordinated the annual Girl Scout cookie sale for several years when her daughter was involved in scouting. Ruth loved all wildlife, especially wolves and birds of prey. She collected many figurines and pictures of these beautiful creatures and displayed them proudly in her home. She enjoyed flower gardening, with white daisies being her favorite. Long rides in the country brought her great joy where she always felt close to and could embrace all that nature had to offer. Her favorite travel destinations were Maui, San Antonio, and Fort Myers Beach, FL. Ruth is survived by her loving daughter, Melanie (Akstulewicz), son-in-law Larry Akstulewicz, close family friends Gary and Wendy Gelhar, along with many other wonderful people who have been such a special part of her life. A private burial and graveside service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery to be lead by clergy from Immanuel United Church of Christ. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. The family would like to extend their deep gratitude to Barbara Bittner and the entire staff of Emerald Valley Assisted Living in Appleton for their exceptional and compassionate care in the last few weeks of Ruth's life. Also, thank you Heartland Hospice for all of your care and support, especially Chaplain Roy Rogers. Your prayers and words of comfort on her last day meant so much! Bless you to all of mom's caregivers who allowed her to stay in her own home with her beloved cat Sushi and Golden Retriever Shadow for as long as possible. Words cannot express how grateful we are! Mom: You were one of the kindest, sweetest and most beautiful women I will ever know. Although our last few years together as mother and daughter were filled with many ups and downs, I can now look back with the fondest of memories on a life well-lived. You made many friends throughout your very long life by being a good listener, having an open mind and always being willing to help those in need. I hope to be remembered in the very same way when my time on this earth is over. With admiration and much love, Melanie. Ruthie: As your new journey begins and you are reunited with Loren, I know you both are happy once again watching the Packers together and remembering the good old days. Your smile and energy will always be with us. Rest in peace and we will not forget you! We will always remember "the good old days" we had with you. Love you and miss you, Larry.