Rebecca R. Shong, age 78 of White Sulphur Springs formerly of Wisconsin

REBECCA RUGOTZKE SHONG

Rebecca Rachel Shong, nee Rugotzke, 78, of White Sulphur Springs, Montana and formerly of Augusta and Eau Claire, WI passed away on August 19, 2017 in Helena, Montana after a long and courageous struggle with cancer, which was first diagnosed in January, 1999.

Becky, daughter of Clarence and Rachel (Justesen) Rugotzke was born on Thursday, August 3, 1939 at Luther Hospital, Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She was baptized on October 8, 1939 at the home of her grandparents, Herman and Agnes Rugotzke, in the Town of Lincoln (Bears Grass) by Pastor Otto List of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Bears Grass.   Her sponsors were August and Adelia Rugotzke Dehnke.

On July 5, 1953, she was confirmed by Pastor E.G. Schedler at Grace Lutheran Church, Augusta, WI. Her memory verse was:” I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

John 14:6.

Becky graduated from Augusta High School, Augusta, WI on May 29, 1957. In June of 1957 she began employment at People’s State Bank, Augusta, WI as a bookkeeper and teller.  Then bank president

M.P. Skogstad had requested that she join his staff. It caused her to cancel her plans for continued education but she was a scholar at heart.  She was known to often state, “If I haven’t learned something today, I’ve wasted my day!”  She possessed a fierce determination and positive attitude to excel at whatever challenge was presented.

She married Wayne R. Shong on December 28, 1958 at Grace Lutheran Church, Augusta, WI. In 1963, Becky resigned from the hometown bank to begin employment at American National Bank and Trust Co., Eau Claire, WI as a loan teller.  Over a sixteen-year period, she supervised the loan operations department; was promoted to corporate officer; developed the credit department and was the first female from ANB to graduate from the University of Wisconsin- Madison School of Banking.

She was an active member of the Indianhead Group of the National Association of Bank Women, Inc. Becky resigned July 1, 1979 to pursue her dream of operating their ranch in Montana.  She worked the ranch for eleven years with the help of her nephew, Scott, and niece, Leta, before her husband sold his business and joined her.  After Becky’s third challenge with cancer, her niece, Kelly assumed her ranch office responsibilities.  Becky served as a volunteer including council member and church treasurer at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Eau Claire, WI.  She was a member of the Martha Circle until her permanent move to Montana.  She had an active role in helping her husband promote his John Deere Industrial Equipment business as she entertained many customers in their WI home and on the ranch.  She is a member of American Lutheran Church, White Sulphur Springs, MT.  Her priorities were always God, family, and friends.

On March 21, 1991 while traveling in Florida with her husband, she was chemically poisoned. As a result of this fierce battle to survive, she began researching Alternative Medicine in an effort to educate herself, family, friends and other patients.  Her husband raised natural meats and vegetables.  Together, they accepted the daily challenges of this new lifestyle.

Becky had a great love for the Lord, her kind and loving family members, God-children, and special friends. Among her numerous talents: journaling, music, reading, crocheting, and knitting.  Her homemade whole wheat waffle batter and apple strudel were highly rated by all ranch guests.  She set a goal to crochet afghans or sew quilts for two generations of their family and special friends.  She crocheted and gifted countless baby afghans to friends and acquaintances.  She enjoyed life on the ranch with their dogs, cats, horses and her daily exercise routine with canine pal, Jaqueen.

Becky is survived by Wayne, her husband of 59 years; two brothers, Thomas (Barbara) Rugotzke of Eau Claire; David (Marty) Rugotzke of Augusta; sister, Mary Jane (Jack) Krause of Eau Claire; and one brother-in-law, Kenneth (Joan) Shong of Marshfield. Nieces and nephews, Scott (Robin) Rugotzke, Leta Rugotzke, Kelly Ann Rugotzke, Kylee (Kyle) Staebell, Kari (Ryan) Whalen and Dr. John (Sarah) Rugotzke; Grandnieces:  Camryn Rugotzke, Reese Staebell, Savannah Staebell, Ariel Henkel, and Avery Staebell.  Grandnephews: Jackson Staebell, Jeremiah Rugotzke, Zachariah Rugotzke, and Preston Whalen.  Her husband’s nieces and nephews: Glenn (Joy) Shong, Linda (Bill) Stelzer, Tami (Jeff) McLaughlin, Fay Shong (Tracy Mehr), and Kendra (Brad) Haessly and their families.  She is survived by her Justesen and Rugotzke cousins, including “special cousin” Jane Justesen.  She was preceded in death by her parents and step-dad, Dallas Sieg.

Becky requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated and designated to any of the following:

American Lutheran Church, 411 Jefferson Street, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645

Meagher County Library Foundation, P.O. Box S, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645

Eau Claire County Humane Association, 3900 Old Town Hall Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701

The family wishes to thank Dr. Nancy Patterson and the staff of Great Falls; Dr. Tom Weiner and the staff of Helena for their excellent medical care. Their kindness and respect was greatly appreciated by Becky as she chose her various treatments.

White Sulphur Springs, Montana: The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23^rd at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 103 E. Garfield in White Sulphur Springs.  A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 24^th at The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches, 411 E. Jefferson Street in White Sulphur Springs.  A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church.

Augusta, Wisconsin: Visitation will be Sunday, August 27^th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at  Anderson Funeral Home, 312 S Stone St. in  Augusta, WI, 54722.  A funeral service  will take place on Monday, August 28^th at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 814 Hudson St., Augusta, WI 54722. Interment will follow the service at the West Lawn Cemetery, Augusta, WI.  Luncheon will be served at the Grace Lutheran Church following the burial.

Be strong. We are not here to play to dream, to drift.  We have hard work to do, and loads to lift.  Shun not the struggle; face it.  ‘Tis God’s gift.

Service Schedule

Family Receiving Friends

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday August 23, 2017

Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

103 E. Garfield

White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645

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Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Thursday August 24, 2017

The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches

411 E Jefferson

White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645

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Reception

Following the Funeral Service

Thursday August 24, 2017

The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches

411 E. Jefferson Street

White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645

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