Ruth Erspamer Spees, 48, of Hurley, died peacefully Friday, April 5, 2013, surrounded by her loving family, at Mellen Manor Nursing Home in Mellen, following a 10-year battle with cancer.      She was born Aug. 28, 1964, in Antigo, daughter of Ted and the late Gretchen (Pfeiffer) Erspamer, attended St. Mary's Grade School in Hurley, and graduated from J.E. Murphy High School in 1983. She was employed at Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hurley for 24 years.      Ruth was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley. She had a great sense of humor, and was a kind, loving person who cared about others. She loved her Welsh Corgi, Brewster, whom she called her boy, and enjoyed going to rummage sales, taking long walks, and baking and shopping with her nieces.      She married Perry Spees on Dec. 31, 1999, in Hurley. He survives.      Also surviving are her father, Ted Erspamer, Hurley; seven siblings, Janie Clemens (Andy Nelson), Ironwood, Mich.; Dan Erspamer, Hurley; Anne (George) Peterson, Appleton; Sam (Melanie) Erspamer, Hurley, Bill (Tara) Erspamer, Appleton, Bob (Fara) Erspamer, Colorado Springs, Colo., and Tom (Tami) Erspamer, Arena; father-and-mother-in-law, John and Tina Spees, Rhinelander; numerous nieces and nephews; special friend, Donna Kessler; and her boy, Brewster.      Out of respect for Ruth's wishes, cremation has taken place.      A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, April 11, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at St. Mary's Church in Hurley, with the Rev. Frank Kordek OFM, celebrant.      Luncheon will follow in the parish hall.      In lieu of flowers, expressions o f sympathy may be given to Perry Sp ees, 703 Magnetic St., Hurley, WI  54534.       Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood, where condolences may be given to Ruth's family online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.