Ruth Fariss (Thayer) of Hartford passed away Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008, at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee. She was 71 years.

Ruth was born June 28, 1937, in Peoria, Ill., to Harry and Charlotte (Blackman) Thayer.

Ruth attended the University of Virginia Nursing School in Charlottesville, Va., and moved back to Hartford with her four children after living in several parts of the United States. Ruth worked as a registered nurse for and retired from the Hartford Clinic.

She was a very grateful member of Overeaters Anonymous (OA), establishing an OA meeting in Hartford.

She loved visiting and spending time with her far-flung and local family, keeping up with the latest movies, music and shows, collecting stylish and fashionable shoes and purses, and was very active in her Overeaters Anonymous meetings.

Ruth is survived by her daughters and son; Melissa (Ralph) Justman of Iron Ridge, Bruce (April) Fariss of Key West, Fla., Meg (Bob) Barhite of Mt. Horeb and Susan Fariss of Washington, D.C.; her brother John (Terry) Thayer of Grafton; her aunt Helen Blackman of Peoria, Ill.; her uncle Rex (Jeanne) Thayer of York, Penn.; and her grandchildren, Todd, Joshua and Ben Justman, Alex and Gabi Jump, and Chase and Emerson Fariss. She is further survived by cousins, other relatives and friends, and three cranky cats.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday at the First United Methodist Church in Hartford. Family will greet family and friends on Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the church.

Memorials to the Washington County Humane Society are appreciated. If money is sent, family will also donate this to another yet to be identified charitable organization.

Inurnment will take place at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hartford.

Shimon Funeral Home is assisting the family, 673-9500, www.shimonfuneralhome.com.