Betty M. Giese, age 88, and Ruben M. Giese, age 90, of Gresham, passed away Thursday, July 7, 2016 in Shawano within hours of each other. They were married May 18, 1946 and just celebrated their 70th anniversary. They took care of each other and loved each other until the end, just like in the movie "The Notebook". Both Betty and Ruben lived in the Gresham area all of their lives. They were members of Zion Lutheran Church in Gresham and very active in the Shawano County Republican Party.

Betty was born on May 8, 1928 in Red Springs, the daughter of the late Alfred and Alma (Lindow) Richards. She was a member and past secretary and president of Zion Ladies Aid, AAL, Lutheran Women Missionary League, and past president of Red Springs Homemakers. She was also a member of Gresham Women's Club, the Shawano Medical Hospital Auxiliary, Gresham American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, on the Board of Directors for the Shawano County Republican Party and served as president for 20 years for Woman's Shawano County Farm Bureau.

Ruben was born on July 26, 1925 in the Town of Seneca, the son of the late Frank and Minnie (Bratz) Giese. He served on the Town of Red Springs Board as past Chairman and supervisor. He was a member of the Gresham Lion's Club for over 30 years. He was employed by Stiers Hardware for over 40 years and when the store closed, he continued to work in the Gresham area in the heating, cooling and plumbing industry.

Betty and Ruben had many pastimes, Ruben enjoyed taking the Ferguson tractor out to cut wood with his son and grandson, as well as maintaining his hobby farm. Betty enjoyed her garden, working on crossword puzzles, and playing scrabble. Together they loved to travel and go out to eat at the local restaurants, especially Club 22.

Betty and Ruben are survived by: their six children, Marshal (Sue) Giese of Gresham, Linda Clemins of Venice, FL, Barbara (Bob) Barnes of AZ, Shelly (Garry) Bruch of Rogers, AK, Randy (Kathy) Giese of Shawano, and Rick (Jeri) Giese of Gresham; 14 grandchildren and several great-grandchild and great great-grandchildren; close family friends, Pete and Lynn Marquette; several nieces and nephews; Betty's sister, Mary (Gerald) Geise of Appleton; Ruben's brothers and sisters, Roy (Mable) Giese of Tilleda, Otto (Betty) Giese of Tilleda, Angeline Ebert of Shawano, Orville (Sandy) Giese of Tilleda.

They were preceded in death by: two grandchildren, Jeff and Jackie and Betty's brothers, Roger and Dan Richards.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday, July 10, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Zion Lutheran Church in Gresham with inurnment in Zion Rest Cemetery. Reverend John C. Eyer is officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 noon until the time of the services.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire care staff at Atrium "Evergreen" Nursing Home of Shawano as well as Southerncare Hospice Services.