Ruby J. (Callahan) Garrett Obituary
February 13, 1924-September 19, 2026. Ruby was born to Walter and Martha Callahan and was raised on their farm in Plainfield, Wisconsin, along with her five sisters and 4 brothers. She married her high school sweetheart, Nelson Garrett, on January 26, 1946, shortly after his return from serving with the Marine Corps in World War II. They enjoyed traveling to virtually every state in the United States, playing golf together, and frequenting supper clubs throughout Wisconsin. Nelson passed away in 1998 from mesothelioma which he likely contracted from his exposure to asbestos while working as a welder.
Ruby is survived by her son Dennis Garrett of Cedarburg, and her daughter Chris Watkins of Sussex. She is also survived by four grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Ruby and Nelson lived in Wisconsin Rapids until 1964 when they moved to Menomonee Falls for Nelson to take a job as the plant engineer at Stainless Foundry in Milwaukee. Ruby worked for several years at the Kohl's Department Store in the Falls in the shoe department. She claimed that she and Senator Herb Kohl ("Herbie") were on a first name basis. She also thoroughly enjoyed serving for many years as a teacher's aide in the Menomonee Falls school system. Following Nelson's passing, Ruby moved to an independent senior apartment where she resided for almost 28 years before she moved to a memory care facility shortly after her 102nd birthday.
Ruby often remarked that she enjoyed the Three G's in her life: golf, gambling and grandchildren. She golfed until she was 93 years old and won awards in her golf league for her putting prowess. Her family often suspected that her 2010 Chevy Malibu could drive itself to Ho-Chunk casino in Madison because it had taken so many trips there.
Her family would like to thank the StoryPoint memory care facility in Mequon for their excellent care of Ruby.
Visitation for Ruby will be held on Sunday October 4 at the Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home in Menomonee Falls from 11-1 PM. Burial will take place on Monday October 5 at 11 AM at Plainfield Cemetery in Plainfield, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Stars & Stripes Honor Flight would be appreciated.
