Ruth E. Rice Iseminger
September 18, 2011
Ruth E. Rice Iseminger passed away Sunday at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines from complications of COPD. She had most recently lived at the Valley View Village Care Center where she enjoyed the many activities with her friends and caregivers. Prior to her move to Valley View, Ruth was active with the East Side Senior Center where she also had many friends and fun activities. Where ever she went and at every point in her life, she enjoyed the people she was with and filled their lives with happiness. She often would say, “If you can’t have fun, why live?” She was still living that belief when, after her last visitor of the evening put away the Aggravation game, and she settled into bed Saturday night.
Ruth Evelyn Porter was born November 2, 1927, to Charlotte Close Porter Chamberlain and Merle Porter in Des Moines, Iowa. Her siblings included Jim, Nelma, Elaine, Lillian, Doris, Betty, Richard (twin) and Gail. On his 18th birthday, she married Vergil E. Rice. She always said, “It was the best birthday present he ever got!” Together they had 11 children and owned and operated the Rice Tire Co. They were married 24 years before his passing. She later married Warren A. Iseminger and they continued to raise her family. They owned and operated Angie’s Italian Bakery and the Park Haven Residential Home. Weekends and holidays were spent at Lake Marie in Mercer, MO. They were together for 24 years before he passed. She was “everyone’s mom.” Besides her own 11 children, she was mother to all their friends and neighbors and was always open and accepting of all.
Survivors include her children, Virginia (Gary) Thompson, Vergil Rice, Jr., Betty (Mike) Stapleton, William (Pam) Rice, Terry (Tom) Catron, Cynthia (Rick) Shepherd, Ruth Anne (Kenny) Williams, David (Nanette) Rice and Rebecca (Les) Walters. She leaves 24 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter who is on the way. Also surviving are sisters, Doris Smith and Betty Stevens, and many, many nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, both husbands, sons, Johnny and Rickie, granddaughter, Angel, and grandsons, Casey and Cole.
Ruth was ornery and her beautiful blue eyes were always lit with the smile that never left her face. She would only wish the same to you.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, September 23, 2011, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, followed by burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be sent to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Rusty and Jane Beebe
09/23/2011
The Rice family: Your mother was a very special lady. Always smiling and seeing the good in all. She will be missed dearly but we still will have our cherished memories with her and your family. Her grace will always live on. Condolences and love to all.
Janie Hendricks
09/21/2011
Betty, I am so sorry for your loss. Ruth was a very special lady and was always smiling when she came for appointments. She didn't always follow my advice, but said she would try. I am sorry you have to go through this. You always took good care of your mom. Janie h
elma nicol rabe
09/21/2011
So sorry for your loss our prayers go out to your family and I know Ruth will be missed dearly. May she rest in peace. We had a nice visit at the picnic (family and friends) and looking at the year book pictures. Ruth was a kind lady and loved people dearly.
Hannah Bell and Mary Butts
09/21/2011
Dear Family,
We worked with Ruth for many years in the health field, and we got a chance to meet each and everyone of you, at the job or at the house by the fairgrounds. Your mother was a wonder person,you just can't put Ruth into words, she was a wife, mother, grandmother, and a friend! Me and my mother are so sorry for your loss, which is our loss also!
Ruth,loved everyone and she was loved by everyone! and she had a heart of gold!
Rest on our Friend, God don't make no mistakes, he only take's the best!
So Don't cry family, do a good deed for your mother, you know how Ruth is, when the sun is out plant something! besides it's only her, Ruth was the bright sun, with her gleeming smile and bright heart!
May God Bless each and Everyone of you.
Hannah Bell and Her Daughter Mary Butts
Kim Knapp
09/21/2011
I am so sorry to hear about your momma.. I know your heart is broke and you are not sure how you will go on without her. I have felt this pain and still suffer with it daily over the loss of my momma. Just remember she will always be with you and she will watch over you and love you until you meet again. I want you to know I can't be there, but I am there for you if you need to talk or just need a hug or want to talk about her. Lots of love and hugs to all of you at this time. The loss of your momma is very painful and one of these days your pain will get better but your heart will always be with your momma. But your love for her will be forever. Please know that we are with you at this time and are here if you need anything.
Kim Knapp and Family (Ruby's little sister)
Dianna & Richard
09/20/2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rice family.
Sharold Howard Shepherd
09/20/2011
My deepest sympathy to the Rice family. Your mother was so special and touched so many lives. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Becky Snyder
09/20/2011
She was an amazing women, my second Mom.I tryed hard to make her my step Mom.She was a big of my life growing up.I am very thankfull for all my great memories.I loved her very much.My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
heather
09/19/2011
to all the Rice siblings my prayers and thoughts are with each of you.she was an outstanding mother grandma and just simply special.all of my love to all of you.