"Our sincerest prayers and love to all of Ruth's family.
In remembering Ruth, I find it hard to know where to start because there are so many wonderful memories. As neighbors on the farm, we were blessed to have known Ruth, Al and their family our whole lives. Fourth of July's, bailing hay, picking apples, and playing in the basement in her home are only a few of the many wonderful memories we have. Ruth always had something good to eat and even let us play on her piano--which we thought was the best!
More recent memories of Ruth are of her blessing to us after our mother passed away in 1995. Dad and Ruth enjoyed visiting, dancing, playing cards, going out to eat, and attending family and community events. Just having Ruth around made everyone feel good. Her sense of humor was second to none...as she was one of the few that could hold their own with my dad as well as with my husband, David! We remember many debates about Ford vs. Chevy, among other things!! My sister, Cordell and the kids and I thought it was the greatest.
As far as her cooking goes...it would be hard to choose a winner between her Blitz cake and her chicken! We never turned down an invitation to go to her house for chicken and all the fixins'. I think even if Cordell was in the field, he'd stop what he was doing for Ruth's chicken and homemade pies!
Dad, Barb's family, David and I were blessed over the years to have had an opportunity to see her grandchildren and great-grandchildren growing up, through pictures she would show us and stories she would tell. Her children, and entire family brought a smile to her face and a sparkle to her eyes. She was so very proud of them all.
Ruth always had a project going...quilting, crocheting, needlepoint, and more. I wonder how many beautiful things she made over the years for family and friends?? It must be in the hundreds!
I loved going out to eat with Ruth, too. We could never decide where to go, so we each told the other beforehand that it was their turn to decide! We'd be backing out of her driveway and inevitably we'd look at each other and just start laughing because we still had NO idea! Sometimes we'd just start driving and see where we'd end up. After arguing about who was going to pay every time (it became a joke between us), we'd come back to her house and sit up to watch the Late Show or a game show. I always had to chuckle because I would poop out and have to call it a night long before Ruth!
And then there is Ruth's example of faith. Her life was a gospel. She never had to preach a word, but in observing her you could see the goodness of the Lord. It just shone through her, effortlessly. Love, care, compassion, sacrifice, honestly, humility, joy, kindness, patience, forgiveness, generosity...all qualities of a person who truly loves the Lord and puts Him first.
We could go on and on about our beloved Ruth and what an impact she had on all who knew her. She was truly a shining star and we couldn't be more thankful for having her and her family in our lives.
May God's peace, which transcends all understanding guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippines 4:7).
We love you, Rutharino!
Brenda and David, Barb, Cordell, Kyle, Katie, and Kollin"
In loving memory of
Ruth J. Janssen
September 5, 1931 - May 25, 2015
Ruth Joan Janssen was born September 5, 1931, the daughter of Loyd and Julia Sievers. She died Monday, May 25, 2015, at the Morningside Healthcare Community in Ida Grove, Iowa at the age of eighty-three.
On January 30, 1951, Ruth was united in marriage to Allen Janssen at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Lidderdale, Iowa, and were blessed with the birth of four children. The couple made their home on the Janssen family farm where Ruth made a career of being a full time homemaker and mother. After Allen’s death in 1982, Ruth remained on the farm and moved to Schleswig in 1989.
Throughout Ruth’s life, Ruth enjoyed quilting, sewing, crocheting, playing various card games, especially bridge and playing with her Friday afternoon card group. She also loved working in the garden and tending to her vegetables and flowers as well as canning and freezing fruits and vegetables. Ruth was a fabulous cook, with her Blitz cake being her specialty. Her kitchen was always stocked with homemade goodies. Ruth’s entire life revolved around her family, whether it was baking birthday cakes, making holiday meals, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, she always had a smile and a positive attitude. Ruth was a loving and thoughtful person, always offering a smile to whomever she met.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Allen; one son, Cory; one granddaughter, Alyssa; five sisters: Helen; Mildred; Rosalyn; Dorothy; and Marge; four brothers: Lenus; Lewis; Laverne and Roger. Survivors include: two daughters, Marsha and her husband, Craig; Trudy and her husband, Jim; one son, Mark and his wife, Ellen; six grandchildren: Jessica, Adam and his wife, Nicki, Alex and Bailey, Allison and her husband, Jeff, Ashley and her husband, Ben, and Markenna; five great-grandchildren; Drake, Maci, Carter, Collin, Cooper; special friends of the family: Cordell, Barb, Kyle, Katie, and Kollin Knudsen of Ida Grove, Iowa; David and Brenda Lansinger of Omaha, Nebraska; two brothers, Leon and his wife, Mona; Leonard and his wife, Diana;two sisters-in-law, Wilma; Luella Sievers; and one brother-in-law, Ray; many other relatives and friends.
Tributes
"Lit a candle in memory of Ruth J. Janssen"
"Lit a candle in memory of Ruth J. Janssen"
"My deepest condolences and prayers for the family. Ruth has always been dear to my heart and to me will always be Grandma Ruth. I still remember the wonderful smell of her homemade rolls and her amazing watermelon pickles. Rest in Peace Ruth. I love you!"
"Lit a candle in memory of Ruth J. Janssen"
"Our sympathy to the families of Ruth. She was always such a pleasant lady and always had the warm smile for all. Prayers to all. Robert & Marie Baker"
"My sympathy to Ruth's family. She was such a caring person and we would enjoy seeing her at many events in Schleswig and she was so cordial and loved people. God's special blessings to all of you. Susan Rossow"
"My maiden name is O'Brien"
"My condolences to the Jansen family. Your Mom was a very sweet lady. You're in my prayers."
"Our sympathy to Ruth's Family . Butch & Kim Korwes"
"Our sympathy to Ruth's family and friends May she rest in peace with God, her husband, son, and granddaughter and many other friends and relatives"
"Marsha, Trudy, Mark & Families: I was sorry to hear of your mothers passing. She was such a pleasant person to talk to. She always had a smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time."