Marion Anna "Minnie" Ruddy, age 97, of Green Bay, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.

Minnie was born on July 22, 1928, in LeRoy, the daughter of Herman and Sabina (Huber) Bauer. She grew up on a farm, where her lifelong love of animals began. On November 11, 1950, she married Gordon Donald "Gordy" Ruddy. Together they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and devotion until Gordy's passing in 1986.

Known to nearly everyone as Minnie, she was the heart of her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she found her greatest joy in caring for others. Minnie was always willing to help, always said yes to an invitation, and showed up for the people she loved without hesitation. Her generosity, strength, and feisty spirit defined her.

Minnie took great pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was a strong example for the generations who followed her. She was warm, practical, and endlessly giving, with a legendary sweet tooth, and an unfailing ability to make everyone feel welcome. A wonderful cook, she showed love through food and hospitality, making sure no one ever left her home hungry, including every family pet.

In her younger years, Minnie loved to dance, even though Gordy was not much of a dancer himself. The couple were owners of Gordy's Bar, fondly remembered by many in the community. She later worked at Wells Manufacturing until her retirement.

Throughout her long life, Minnie experienced the loss of many dear loved ones. Even so, she remained deeply grateful, often saying how blessed she was to have had them in her life for as long as she did. Her ability to hold gratitude alongside loss was a quiet strength that defined her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; her daughters, Karen Ruddy and Kathleen Meyer; and her brothers Richard, Willard, Eugene, and Dennis Bauer, along with their spouses.

Minnie is survived by her sister, Patricia Sternat; her grandchildren, Stacie (Patrick) Rosera and Ryan (Julie) Meyer; her great-grandchildren, McKenna (Nathan) Rukamp, Olivia Rosera, Lilly Meyer, and Katie Meyer; her son-in-law John Meyer and his spouse Mary; and many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church in LeRoy. A visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass. Burial will be held privately at the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere, is assisting the family.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Autumn's Promise and Moments Hospice for the care they provided to Minnie.

Minnie will be remembered for her feisty spirit, quiet strength, unwavering generosity, and deep love of family. Her life was one of gratitude, resilience, and grace, and her legacy lives on through the generations she shaped.