Ruth J. Hlavka Racine - Ruth J. (nee, Dusky) Hlavka, 92, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints on Friday, August 31, 2007. Ruth was born in Appleton, WI on May 1, 1915 to Joseph and Clara Dusky. She was a special May Day treat each year to her entire family and all that knew her. Ruth graduated from Horlick High School in 1933, and married Joseph Hlavka on September 21, 1940. They made there first home in Racine, later moving to Milwaukee for most of their married life, returning to Racine, Ruth's childhood home, in their retirement. Ruth was a teacher's aide for many years with the Milwaukee School District and was active with her children's activities. In her early years she worked for S.C. Johnson & Sons. She was always a faithful and involved Lutheran church member and was currently a member of Emmaus Evangelical Lutheran Church in Racine. Ruth and Joe traveled extensively during their early retirement but were always available to their children and grandchildren for visits, projects and special family times. The Hlavka's were enthusiastic fishermen and campers for many years and enjoyed summers in northern Wisconsin or 'wherever the fish were biting.' An avid reader and continual learner, Ruth enjoyed her book club, crossword puzzles, television documentaries, researching information on current events, computer games, gardening, bird-watching, painting and emailing her grandchildren often. 'Grammie' was thrilled in her late 80's to embrace technology and learn new methods of communication. Above all, Ruth was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her family was always foremost in her mind and she continued helping them and caring for them in any way she could. Ruth is survived by a son, Stephen (Denise) Hlavka of Stoughton; daughter, Jeanne (David) Nelson of Germantown; six grandchildren, Mark (Kerry) Cornwell of Bend, OR, Sara (Michael) Karcher of San Antonio, TX, Cheri (Matt) O'Malley of Palm Harbor, FL, Heather (Kevin McCarthy) Hlavka of St. Paul, MN, Ben Hlavka of St. Louis, MO and Jeff (Terri) Nelson of Sussex, WI. She is further survived by three great-grandchildren, Reed Karcher, Bennett Cornwell and Jared Nelson; sister-in-law, Ella Johnson; and brother-in-law, George Hlavka. Ruth is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Bernice Frederick, husband, Joseph Hlavka and eldest daughter, Susan Cornwell. It will be a blessing to reunite with them in heaven. 'We will miss Ruth dearly, but her lovely spirit will remain in our hearts always.' Funeral services for Ruth will be held at the funeral home, on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Mary Janz officiating. Interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Wednesday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. until the time of services.