Ruth Amelia (Wales) Plautz, mama, took off on her greatest adventure January 9, 2026. She left to finish tracing her family tree, knowing it would lead to Jesus. 

She was born in Kenner, LA on April 19, 1935 to Ernest J and Lillian Amelia (Thompson) Wales. She joined brothers, Ernest Jr, Kevlin and Kenneth Wales, and sisters Dorothy (Roger) Henry, Mildred (Bill) Morel, Lene (Ramey) Kirkwood, and Phil (RW) Taylor. 

Ruth grew up in Louisiana and in New York, staying with a number of relatives while she went to school. After graduating in 1953, she went to Amarillo TX to stay with her sister at Lackland Airforce Base. While there she met Walter Plautz, Jr. After a short courtship the couple married on New Years Eve, 1953 in Kingston, Wisconsin. 

When Walter's Unit was called to Okinawa, Ruth lived at the WYCA in Milwaukee where she was a key punch operator until Walter’s return. 

They made their home in Kingston, where they started hauling milk for a living. During those years they managed to produce Kathleen Ann, Mikel Jon, Valerie Kay, Carla Jean and Dana Marie (we like to say their greatest accomplishments).

She was a reader and a genealogist. She managed to trace her family tree back to the 1400's and helped start the Kingston Historical Society. She co-authored a book about the Kingston area, "Common Threads". She could always count on to help others trace their roots. 

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Walter C Plautz, Jr., son-in-law, Larry Nighbor, grand daughter Krystal Plautz, 2 brothers and 4 sisters. 

She is survived by her children Kathleen (Jeff) Quade, Mikel Plautz, Valerie Nighbor, Carla (Charlie) Spires and Dana (Randy) Stutesman; 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Kenneth Wales and many nieces and nephews. 

Burial will be private in the Kingston cemetery with no service per mom's wishes. 

The family would like to thank the staff at the Barrett House for their excellent care, Hospice for their loving care and all who took the time to remember mom when she was healthy. 

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.