Ruth A. Zentner, age 73, of Monroe died on Wednesday, July 8th at SSM Health Monroe Hospital surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Ruth Ann Cline was born on July 6th, 1953 in Boscobel, Wisconsin to John T. and Marilyn B. (Paulson) Cline as the fifth out of 13 children. She spent her childhood in various communities throughout Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois including Darlington, Argyle, Browntown, and Warren, to name a few. She delighted in being from such a large family and reveled in the mischief her siblings found. Ruth graduated from Monroe High School in 1973.

On June 1st, 1974, Ruth married Curtis R. Zentner at Apple Grove Lutheran Church in Argyle. They built their life together in Monroe. While Curt worked full time outside of the home, Ruth was the commander of the home, creating a warm and comforting environment no matter the situation. In 1975, they welcomed their first daughter, Melissa followed by their second daughter Melanie in 1979, and completed the family when Madalin joined them in 1997. Above little else in life, Ruth was proud to be a mother, grandmother, and wife. Her family always knew the depth and passion of her love.

Ruthie Ann, as many of her family and friends called her, was incredibly creative her entire life, from traditional art classes, sketching and drawing in High School to making clothes for children, counted cross-stitch, crocheting, with loom knitting and diamond painting in recent years, frequently giving gifts of her art when it especially suited a friend or loved one’s interests. She loved everything pink, gnomes, flowers, butterflies, and anything she deemed ‘cute’.

While Ruth was born physically disabled, it did not define who she was or how she lived her life, caring for family and friends. In later years, Ruth would take ‘walks’ around the neighborhood. When her family would worry about her long absence, they would frequently find her just down the block, caught up in conversation with neighbors. She kept in touch with friends and family over the phone and through social media, always there to provide a listening ear and counsel. Friends described her as smiling and happy, never using her disability as an excuse or expecting pity. She will be greatly missed by all.

As a life-long Lutheran and a long-time member of Grace Lutheran Church, Ruth devotedly attended church with her young family and, as her mobility declined, attended regularly through online services and always enjoyed visits from the pastor and other members of the church. While she deemed it very private and personal, Ruth considered her religious beliefs to be part of her core.

Ruth is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Curt, daughters Melissa (Edward Hames) Zentner of St. Paul, MN, Melanie (Eric Johnson) Zentner of Monroe, and granddaughter Madalin Zentner also of Monroe. She is further survived by siblings Richard (Elaine) Cline, Marty Balsiger, Nancy Benson, Pete (Deb) Cline, Philip (Chris) Cline, Bruce (Marilyn) Cline, Brian and sister-in-law Connie Cline, Dan (Janette) Cline, John Cline (Jennifer), and Pat (Jodi Rolbiecki) Cline, and brother-in-law Craig Zentner. Ruth also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother James Cline, sister Heather Cline, brothers in law Lavern Benson and Ron Balsiger, and parents-in-law Roy and Louise (Hauri) Zentner.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church, Monroe. Visitation will precede the service on August 1st beginning at 9:30 AM and a celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at Cactus & Co. immediately following the memorial service. A memorial fund benefiting arthrogryposis research will be established in her memory.

Her family would like to thank all of her caregivers at the Monroe Hospital and St. Mary’s in Madison as well as all of the care and friendship she received through the years from doctors and nurses locally as well as at UW-Madison Hospital and Children’s Hospital.