Ruth Decorah, 85, has retired from her role as a Ho-Chunk Nation Clan Mother.

     Decorah, who is now living with dementia, was remembered by fellow Clan Mothers as someone who brought warmth and laughter into meetings while carrying strong Ho-Chunk values.

     Through stories, humor and life experience, she helped support women, families and young people through teachings about identity, kinship, spirituality, language and relationships.

     The Ho-Chunk Nation Clan Mothers program began in January 2001 as a way to revive the tradition of elder women teaching younger generations. Clan Mothers help guide women and families through Ho-Chunk teachings, customs and values while offering support rooted in culture and community.

     Fellow Clan Mothers described Decorah as funny, caring and deeply respected among the group.

     One Clan Mother, Roberta Decorah, recalled sitting beside Decorah during a meeting when she quietly shared a humorous comment connected to the discussion.

     “She says something relevant, but it was humorous,” Decorah said. “It was a learning tool.”

     Another remembered Decorah ending a winter storytelling session by saying, “That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”

     Clan Mothers said Decorah often used humor to make people comfortable while still sharing meaningful lessons. They also remembered her joking about being hard of hearing, saying the Creator may have called her home already, but she did not hear it.

     Decorah’s daughter, Lori Krause, said her mother remained independent and strong-willed throughout her life.

     “She always took care of herself,” Krause said. “It was always her way or the highway.”

     Decorah was born April 18, 1941. Her mother died when she was only a few weeks old, and her father passed away when she was 10 years old. After spending time with her great-grandmother, she later entered foster care and eventually graduated from Baraboo High School.

     Krause said those experiences helped shape the strength and resilience her mother carried throughout her life.

     “She always told us everything was going to be alright,” Krause said. “That’s just how she was.”

     Even as dementia has affected her memory in recent years, Krause said her mother continues to remain positive and kind to those around her.

     Clan Mothers also spoke about Decorah’s deep connection to Ho-Chunk teachings and language. They said she often shared stories from her upbringing and encouraged younger generations to remain proud of their identity and continue learning the Ho-Chunk language.

     Krause said attending Clan Mother meetings remained important to her mother, even in recent years.

     “When she would come home from that, she always seemed a lot better for a few days,” Krause said. “Like her mind was back, and she was back in action.”

     Today, fellow Clan Mothers said Decorah’s humor, teachings and compassion continue to leave a lasting impact on those who knew her.