Ruth B Young

Ruth Bicha Young, 87, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 23, 2011 surrounded by family and friends. Ruth was born on May 9, 1924 in La Crosse to Joseph and Mabel (Chalsma) Bicha. She graduated from the Visitation High School Academy in Dubuque, Iowa. Ruth married Halley H. Young, Sr. on January 10, 1946. She is survived by her four children: Halley (Susan) Young, Jr., Paula Gelatt, Barbara (Lowell) Emerson and Phillip (Therese) Young. She is also survived by eight grandchildren who have brought her great joy: Don Young, Carmelle Sibley, Wendy Chestnut, Brett Emerson, Christopher Gelatt, Brady Young, Shelby Young and Collin Young as well as 6 great grandchildren, 2 sisters-in-law and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Halley in 2007, her grandson Patrick Young and 2 brothers Edward Bicha and Joey Bicha. Ruth was employed at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in the financial aid department for many years until her retirement at the age of 65. She was a true woman of grace, intelligence and wit. She had the amazing gift of sharing these treasures with all those she met and made a wonderful impression in the lives of so many. We, Ruths family, especially want to extend our most heartfelt thanks to those who watched over her day to day, especially the Girls at Marges and all the friends she made there. A great thank you also to the team of medical staff at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center who made her last days a time of ease, comfort and dignity.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation from 4-7 PM on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at the Schumacher Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Ave. S., La Crosse. Private family interment services will take place on Friday at 1:30 PM, October 28, 2011 in the Oak Grove Cemetery Chapel with Pastor Scott Skogen officiating.