On a cold January morning, Marion Ruth was born, the only daughter of Bertha and Ray Fredrickson, in Sparta, Wisconsin. She loved her first twelve years in central Wisconsin, living near the Pet Milk plant where her Dad was manager. A voracious reader and avid student, Marion absorbed all she could from home, church, school and nature. Her thirst for knowledge helped her succeed throughout life. Their family also lived in New Glarus, Belleville and Mayfield, Kentucky, wherever her father's managing duties called. Marion graduated from New Glarus High School and attended the UW-Madison for one year. Her marriage to Dennis Streiff took place June 6, 1948 at Swiss E&R Church, New Glarus. Her love of learning motivated her to return to UW-Madison to obtain a degree with a double major in history and social work as she was raising five active children. She then worked as a social worker for Green County Human Services and enjoyed her interactions with clients and colleagues; often giving a personal touch to her work. After retirement, Marion worked as a guide for the Swiss Historical Village, also donating countless hours to research and cataloging of information. She was an active member of Swiss UCC, proudly serving as one of the first female elders of the Consistory, Sunday School Teacher, Historical Committee, and many other volunteer roles. Her banners and quilts are still displayed throughout the sanctuary. Marion served on area and statewide UCC committees and task-forces. Swiss Historical and Wisconsin Historical Society memberships were important, and she served on many other committees in church and community, helping with the Wilhelm Tell Pageant for many years. Marion's love of history also motivated many trips both nationally and abroad. Her love of family was demonstrated through many hand-crafted quilts, cross-stitch projects, hand-knit sweaters and multiple pairs of mittens. Mom always made sure the cookie jar was full, and a pot of coffee was ready...especially if anyone was interested in a good game of Scrabble. The library's book sale was high on her list of yearly activities, as she'd stockpile a new stack of books to read, usually historical novels or biographies. Another passion was gardening; she loved being outdoors in her flower and vegetable gardens, observing all of nature. Marion was predeceased by her mother, father, brothers Merton (Evelyn), Lester (Doris) and Warren Fredrickson and her son, Stuart. She is survived by her husband Dennis, daughters Christine (Ben) Sternberg, Susan (Mark) Wainwright, Petra Streiff (Larry Stuessy), and Amy (Ron) Legler, 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Also her brother Howard (Vilyn) Fredrickson, and sister-in-law Jeanne Fredrickson, brothers-in-law Harley (Annie) Streiff, Steve (Sharon) Streiff and sisters-in-law, Marie (Gene) Slotten and Jeannette Streiff as well as many nieces and nephews. A gathering of family and friends will occur from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the New Glarus Home Chapel, 600 Second Ave., New Glarus, WI, with access from the Elm drive entrance. A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2013 at Swiss United Church of Christ, 18 Fifth Ave., New Glarus, WI with Rev. Todd Hackman officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Swiss UCC, the New Glarus Library building fund or the New Glarus Historical Society.