Ruth LaFave

(Nee Whiffen) A long-time resident of Wauwatosa, passed away at Milwaukee Lutheran Home on Saturday, December 3, 2011, at the age of 92. She was preceded in death by Lloyd, her husband of 61 years, and two sisters. Survived by her children John (Andrea), Thomas (Elaine Gehring) and Ruth Ann. Further survived by granddaughters Emily LaFave (Joel Nasset), Hannah (Jeffrey) Lopas and Krista LaFave; five great-grandchildren Cal and Sophie Nasset, and Miles, Graham and Wes Lopas; and a sister, Mary Mann. Also survived by other relatives and friends.Ruth grew up in Sheboygan and attended the University of Wisconsin. She was a "woman ahead of her time," graduating from the UW Law School in 1945. Ruth practiced law with Lloyd in Fox Lake, WI, prior to moving to Wauwatosa. She worked for 21 years in the federal judicial system, serving as law clerk, chief deputy clerk, clerk of courts, and magistrate for the Eastern District of Wisconsin from 1962 until her retirement in 1983. The LaFave family is grateful to the caregivers at the Milwaukee Lutheran Home and Seasons Hospice for their excellent care for Ruth. Private Memorial Services are planned. Memorials to the Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization that Ruth supported, would be appreciated. Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama 36104.