Obituary for Ruth (Clair) Dopson

July 1, 1950 - July 25, 2025

Ruth Dopson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025 at the age of 75.

Born on July 1, 1950, Ruth grew up with a strong faith and a caring heart that she carried throughout her life. She lived in Wilton for 26 years before moving to West Salem, where she spent 24 years. She enjoyed her well?earned retirement alongside her husband, James Dopson, cherishing a lifetime of memories built over 51 years of marriage.

Ruth dedicated 43 years of service to the Veterans Administration in Tomah and later in La Crosse, touching countless lives through her work. She continued caring for others as a CNA at Mulder’s for 15 years. Known for her selfless nature, Ruth had a gift for caring for everyone around her—family, friends, and those in need.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—gardening, dancing, sewing and crafting—and her quiet, loving presence brought comfort to all who knew her. A devoted Lutheran, Ruth’s strong faith in God guided her every step and shone brightly in the way she lived and loved.

Ruth is survived by her husband, James Dopson; her daughters, Rhonda (Heath) Johnson and Rachel Dopson; and her cherished grandson, Jace Allen. She is also survived by her sister, Mary (Larry) Brieske.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Dorothy Clair; her siblings, Jim (Maxine) Clair, Esther (Roy) Catlin, Daniel Clair, and Lois McCollum. Her family will miss her deeply—her steady love, her gentle spirit, and the way she quietly made the world better each day.

A visitation to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on August 7th 2025, at Fredrickson Funeral Home, Jostad Chapel, located at 121 Youlon St N, West Salem, WI 54669.

A private graveside service, officiated by Rev. Andrew Schultz, will be held on August 8th, in Wilton, Wisconsin, where she will be laid to rest near family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St John's Lutheran Church, Barre Mills-Wels, W3565 Co Rd M, La Crosse, WI 54601.

Ruth’s legacy of kindness and faith will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Online condolences may be offered at this site.