Ruth Gildersleeve

Ruth Gildersleeve (Reiner) March 24, 1943 – September 27, 2025

Ruth Gildersleeve, 82, of Stoughton, WI went home to her Heavenly Father on September 27, 2025. She was born to Francis and Marjorie (Eastman) Reiner and was raised in Cambridge, WI. She graduated from Cambridge High School and attended Milton College.

Ruth and Dr. Charles Gildersleeve were married on March 21, 1975, and resided in Stoughton, WI.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Marjorie Reiner and her siblings: Roger Reiner and Kathleen O’Connell. Her niece Ashley (Dan) McCauley.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Dr. Charles Gildersleeve, her sister Joyce (Reiner) Chipain of Elmhurst, IL, her nephews and nieces: Randall (Judy) Reiner of Plymouth, MN; David (Deborah) Ewert of Winfield, IL; Sheryl (Vern) Dresser of Sarasota, FL; Laura (Perry) Thompson of Cambridge, WI; Steven (Resshena) Pulley of Stoughton, WI; Gregory (Nancy) Pulley of St. Paul, MN; Daniel (Traci) O’Connell of Wyoming, MN; Tonja (Richard) Hedemark of Rush City, MN; great nieces and nephews: Alexander (Alysa) Reiner; Rebecca (John) Holmes; Douglas (Jenna) Dresser; Daniel Dresser; Perry Thompson; Jill Thompson; Matthew (Elaine) Pulley; Brandon Pulley; Nathanael Pulley; Jordan (Libby) Pulley; Joseph Pulley; Jonathan Pulley; Jedediah Pulley; Annie Pulley; Andrew Pulley; Sharaya (Thomas) Michelson; Paul Pulley; Daniel O’Connell; Emily (Casey) Nordick; Richard Hedemark; and eight great-great grandchildren; special friends, cousins: Barbara and Erik Hillestad.

Ruth loved music and was an accomplished pianist. She and her husband, Charles, were known as “THE GILDRESLEEVES!” They met each other in the church choir. They entertained handfuls of people going to many nursing homes with their musical programs. Ruth and Charles were always the life of the family party. They have been singing together ever since they met. Her love for music spread to her nieces and nephews.

Ruth worked many years for Pleasant Company in Madison, WI. She also worked for Coyle Carpet in Madison.

Ruth was the great “Organizer.” She went to many of her families’ homes to help them organize. From the interior of the homes to the garages, ever her sister’s crawl space.

Ruther enjoyed gardening and playing games with loved ones.

Although her passions were many, her greatest passion was for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She encouraged many people to know her Lord as she did. Ruth will be missed!

It was Ruth’s wishes to not have any services.