Mary Ruth Simpson

Mary Ruth Simpson, age 91, formerly of Union Grove, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Prairie Place Assisted Living in Ripon, WI. Mary Ruth was born on July 11, 1934, in Yakima, WA. She was the daughter of Marion and Martha (Kopp) Gregg. 

Mary Ruth grew up in Montana, graduating from Corvalis High School and later graduating from Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland, OR.  Early in her life she realized that she was missing the true meaning of life which is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. She knew that she was a sinner in need of a Savior and turned to Jesus Christ, clinging to his sacrificial death as her payment for sin. She married Kenneth Wise in Missoula, MT and began the life of a pastor's wife serving by his side by teaching Sunday School, leading in Awana Clubs, and teaching piano lessons.  After 32 years of marriage, Ken passed away. Mary took a position with 2 different mission boards as a secretary and spent a year in Peru filling a position for a missionary on furlough. Upon returning to the USA, she met Lyman Simpson from Union Grove, WI and was married to him in 1998. She became a member of Union Grove Baptist Church serving there in various ways. Mary enjoyed having a large garden, canning fruits and vegetables, sewing, and music. 

Mary Ruth is survived by her 2 sons’: Duane (Kathy) Wise, and Dwight (Rita) Wise; 2 daughters’: Phyllis (Steve) Henderson, and Marcella (Brad) Dickinson; 17 grandchildren; 47 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; and a sister, Susan Hodges. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband’s: Kenneth Wise, and Lyman Simpson; and a brother, Samuel Gregg.

A celebration of life will be held for the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers or a memorial tree, donations and memorials may be directed to Camp Fairwood. Divine Passage Funeral Home in Ripon, WI is proudly serving the family. Divinepassagefunerals.com

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