Ruth Anne Gilbertson

Ruth Anne Gilbertson, 78, of Chippewa Falls, died Monday, September 22, 2025, at home surrounded by family. She lived a rich life filled with family, purpose, service and travel.

Ruth Anne was a lifelong educator. She taught speech and coached forensics in Rice Lake, WI before spending nearly 30 years as a librarian and media specialist at Cameron Junior/Senior High School.

Ruth Anne was born December 11, 1946, in Chippewa Falls to Donald and Lorraine (Gilstad) Gilbertson.

She graduated from Chi-Hi in 1965. She received her BA secondary Ed/speech and was certified in Library Science from UW-Eau Claire, Administration from UW-Superior, and her MA in Media Technology from UW-Stout.

On December 18, 1993, she married the love of her life, John Lauson in Rice Lake, WI. Ruth Anne and John traveled the United States and world together including places like China, New Zealand, Europe and spending winters in their beloved Troncones, Mexico. They spent many summers together at their home in the woods “Lily” in Grand View, WI.

Throughout her life Ruth Anne was deeply committed to her community and service. She was also active in the PEO, Trinity UMC Women’s Group, Rice Lake Women’s groups and various book clubs.

Ruth Anne loved books and reading and encouraged others to find joy in books. She placed a free library site at her home for community members to read and share books and volunteered as the librarian at Trinity United Methodist Church in Chippewa Falls.

Ruth Anne is survived by her husband, John Lauson; stepson, Aaron Lauson (Ann Kendall) of Edina, MN and their son, Jones Lauson; stepdaughter, Jill (Doug) of Grand View, WI and Jill’s daughter, Jetty Lauson of Seattle; sister, Kathy Gilbertson Tanner of Chippewa Falls; nieces, Lori Borders and Rachel Tanner (Nathan Verbracken); nephew, Johnathan Tanner (Brandi Nicolai); great-nieces and nephews, Jessica and Janie Borders, Sawyer and Charlotte Patrow, and Dawson Tanner; special godchildren, many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Dianne Jones.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, September 26 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Chippewa Falls with Rev. Eddie Crise officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the church

Interment will be at a later date at Prairie View Cemetery in the Village of Lake Hallie.

Memorials will be directed to the Chippewa County Foundation to support programs such as Mentor Chippewa and other programs used to benefit projects focusing on children in Chippewa County.