Ruth Jeffries

Friends and family of Ruth Jeffries are celebrating her life well lived. As we reflect on the gifts of poetry, other writings, and many documented photo albums she left, we can’t help but marvel at the life this woman lived. Ruth taught in public elementary schools for 45 years. If you were ever a student at Napier, Colfax, or one of the Des Moines Schools – Benton, Park Avenue, or Stowe – you may have been fortunate to have had Ruth as your elementary teacher.
Born on April 30, 1916, in Des Moines, Ruth graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Drake University in 1939. She did graduate work at Northwestern University and the University of Colorado at Boulder. She was an active member of Union Park Presbyterian Church, Alpha Delta Kappa, National T.T.T. Society, and Church Women United; her volunteer organizations were extensive.
Ruth was blessed to have been raised by loving and supportive parents and grandparents. She was the second and only surviving daughter of Clyde and Eva (Twombly) Jeffries. No more loved but perhaps best known was Voltaire P. Twombly, Ruth’s grandfather who served in the Civil War, Second Iowa Infantry. Through his valor at the Battle of Fort Donelson, Tennessee, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Later, V.P. Twombly was elected to three terms as Iowa state treasurer. In 1891, he founded the Home Savings Bank of Des Moines.
Ruth passed away Saturday, May 5, 2007. She resided at Heather Manor (now Prime Towers) since 1992. Visitation will be Monday, May 7, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon, and funeral services will be Tuesday, May 8, 1:30 p.m. at Union Park Presbyterian Church where Ruth was confirmed in 1927. In 1977 she was ordained an elder. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery.
Surviving cousins include James (Barbara) Miles of Johnston. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank many friends that shared so much with Ruth over her years. It is with great happiness to acknowledge three long-time and dear friends that shared Ruth’s final days – John and Judy Schneller for their special affection and long hours and days at Ruth’s side and Doris Faaborg, a trusted friend who visited each day and was a special comfort.
Memorials may be made to Ruth’s church or Mercy Hospice.

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