Ruth Elaine Oren

Ruth Elaine Oren, age 78, passed away on March 12, 2026, in St. George, Utah, after a brief but serious illness. Born on October 12, 1947, in Stoughton, Wisconsin, to Selmer Olaus Oren and Mildred Elaine (Olson) Oren, she grew up on the family farm and graduated from Stoughton High School in 1965. She went on to graduate from Madison General School of Nursing in 1970.

In 1973, Ruth joined the Wisconsin National Guard Army Reserves, serving at the 13th Evacuation Hospital in Madison, where she worked as a nurse and rose to the rank of Major in 1984. An accident ended her military career in 1997, after 13 years of honorable service that remained one of her proudest accomplishments. She devoted 55 years to nursing, working in the NICU, as a surgical float nurse, in jail and detox units, home health care, and for nearly 20 years as a hospice nurse—the role she cherished most. Ruth volunteered for countless Red Cross blood drives, served as an EMT with Ryan Brothers, and was a dedicated hot air balloon crew member in Wisconsin and Iowa. Even after her official retirement in January 2026, she continued volunteering in hospice and was known for stopping at accident scenes to offer aid, living out her nursing oath with quiet compassion.

Ruth shared 23 years with her wife, Beverly Feltz, marrying on May 2, 2015, in Madison, Wisconsin. They later moved to St. George, Utah, where she enjoyed the mountains by day and the stars at night. She was an avid Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan, a Master Gardener who volunteered with the RGMGA and worked in the healing garden at the VA Hospital in Madison, and a lifelong lover of travel, history, camping, kayaking, picnics, and bonfires. She adored music, playing guitar, fiddle, lute, and ukulele, and cherished time with her grandsons, her “fur babies,” and her many cousins and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Selmer and Mildred Oren. She is survived by her wife, Beverly Feltz of St. George, Utah; her stepdaughter, Jennifer Milkowski (Ted) of Pardeeville, Wisconsin; and her grandsons, Vaughn Milkowski, 19, and Eriq Milkowski, 14, also of Pardeeville. She is also survived by her close friend Laila Crowe of Madison, Wisconsin; her cousin Kent Oren; her cousin and mentor Estelle Walker; and many other cousins and family members from the Oren and Walker/Olson sides of the family.

Ruth’s rare wit, infectious joy, and deep compassion touched everyone who knew her. Her life’s work and greatest joy was helping others in every way she could. She was an incredible person to know and love, deeply respected by all whose lives she touched. Until we meet again, Major—your tour of duty has ended. Thank you for your service. Rest in peace, dear Ruth.