Ruth was born Edna Ruth Schoenbaum on Feb. 10, 1950, in Wood River Ill. to parents William and Evelyn Schoenbaum. She spent a few years in Illinois, before the family moved to Arizona. After a few years they moved to California where she spent her school years. After giving birth to her son, William, in 1968 she moved to Houston Texas. She had several different jobs before becoming a nurse's aide. That job became her career and put her on the path to become a nurse. In 1983 she moved to Rockwell City to attend nursing school at ICC with her sister Judy Boyce. This is also where she first met Dennis. They dated for a time then split ways; her to Texas and him to California. They reconnected in 1996, she moved to California, and they were married March 8, 1997. In 2000 they decided to move back to Iowa, to be closer to family; his and hers. They purchased an acreage in the Pomeroy area moved in the spring of 2001. Ruth continued to nurse until retirement.
Ruth became a member of the Faith Community Church shortly after arriving in Iowa, where she was an active member. Ruth taught Sunday school, helped with VBS, and was a dedicated prayer warrior.
Ruth went home April 1 at Baber Hospice House. She is survived by her husband Dennis, son William (Leesa), grandsons Andrew, Alex Burdette and great grandson Evan Burdette, of Bullhead City Ariz. Stepson Richard (Tina), grandsons McCoy and Maverick Smothers, granddaughter Zyola Busch of Waukee, IA. Sister Mary (Doug) Pickering of Greely Colo. She was preceded in death by father William Schoenbaum mother Evelyn Hathaway sister Judy Boyce and brother Denton Schoenbaum
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