Obituary of Ruth Esther Brizius

Ruth E. Brizius, age 86, of Elkhorn area (Wisconsin) passed away January 17, 2013 at Fort Atkinson Hospital. Ruth was born in Columbus, Ohio on April 8, 1926 to Edward H. Blum and Stella (Knight) Blum. She was christened Ruth Esther Blum. Ruth grew up in her parent's home in Circleville, Ohio. She graduated from Circleville High School, where she was active as piano accompanist for glee clubs and choral groups. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from Cincinnati College of Music, now a part of the University of Cincinnati. She received her Master of Music degree from Indiana University, where she majored in piano and organ. From her high school days throughout most of her adult life, Ruth was an active piano accompanist for choral groups. From her college days until retirement in 2005, she was a church organist. For about twenty-three years, from the late 1960's through the mid 1980's, Ruth played the Moeller pipe organ in the First United Methodist Church of LaGrange, Illinois. During those years, Ruth and the choir were known for their annual rendition of the Messiah. More recently, Ruth served about ten years as organist for the Olivet Congregational United Church of Christ in Columbus, Wisconsin, retiring following the Easter services in 2005. She is survived by her husband of sixty-two years, Charles O. Brizius, of Lauderdale Lakes, Elkhorn Wisconsin, her daughters, Cherry (Ron) Gonzales and Kathe (Tom) Meling, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren (one more on the way). Her son, Charles W. Brizius, and brother Edward J.H. Blum, preceded her in death Ruth's family has fond memories of her Christian nurture to them all. A service of remembrance and gratitude will be held at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 130 S. Church Street, Whitewater, WI 53190 on Monday, January 28, at eleven A.M. Memorials may be sent to the church, designated for Refugee Relief. The Nitardy Funeral home, Whitewater, Wisconsin is assisting the family.