Ruth Anderson Reed
March 15, 2015
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Service Details
Ruth Anderson Reed, 90, of Des Moines passed away on March 15, 2015 at Kavanagh House in Des Moines.
Ruth was born on March 14, 1925, to Edward and Ellen (Halsne) Anderson in Roland, Iowa. She graduated from Roland High School and then from Iowa Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in Des Moines in 1946. She practiced nursing until 1955, when she married Robert J. Reed, M.D. at Salem Lutheran Church in Roland.
Ruth lived a full joyful life, thoroughly enjoying her many, many friends, playing bridge, collecting antiques, volunteering at Iowa Lutheran Hospital and cooking Norwegian food. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter GA, Iowa Antique, and Questers White Pole Road chapter. She was always happy and upbeat and loved to laugh. Ruth loved her church and church friends and they were an important part of her life.
She is survived by her children, John and Ann, both of Des Moines, sister-in-law Marietta Anderson of Pueblo, CO, brother-in-law Dale Miller of Coralville, brother-in-law John Reed of Bend, OR, and dozens of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, infant son Douglas, her parents; sisters, Bernice Cox, Jeanette Bremer, Evelyn McDonald, Berdella Middents, and Shirley Miller; and her brothers Milton, Truman, and Edward Anderson.
The family will greet friends for a visitation on Friday, March 20, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, 1240 66th Street, Windsor Heights IA 50324. Funeral services will be on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 11 a.m., also at Windsor Heights Lutheran. Private interment will be at Glendale Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to ELCA World Hunger or Iowa Lutheran Hospital.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Ann M Essy
03/26/2015
Dear Ann & John,
Our entire family were patients of your father - what a wonderful man my father and our family were your dads fifth patients in his practice.
so the relationship goes back many years- met your mother on a few occasions at the holidays she had such a wonderful way of making all feel welcomed, both she and your father made a fabulous couple that had to have made you so proud. My sincere condolences.
Cheryl Irwin
03/21/2015
Steve a I enjoyed being a neighbor to Ruth for many years. Ruth was always so friendly and kind. She had a heart of gold. Our thoughts and condolences are with all of you.
She was a gem!.
Carol Heard
03/20/2015
Ann and John,
Your mother brought so much fun and laughter--and GREAT food-- to our lives. I will never forget the many barbecues that she and your dad hosted over the years, and seeing your mom and Ann at my mom's memorial gave me a big lift at a sad time. Your mom had a special twinkle in her eye -- the Norwegian version of fireworks, maybe? I still have many photos of their circle of friends, would be happy to share them at some point.
Becky Kreachbaum
03/19/2015
Ann and John, I was so sorry to hear about Aunt Ruth's passing. It's been almost a year since my Mom passed away, so I can so feel your pain. Your Mom was a special and caring person and I know that her loss will be felt by many many people. I will be thinking of you in the days to come.
Ruth Mackaman
03/19/2015
Dear Ann and John,
I sure loved your mother. She gave us so much comfort and good advice when my mother, Edith Mackaman, was dying. I was fortunate to see her the last time I was in Des Moines for Tom Brown's memorial service. It was always a pleasure to see her. She and your father were good friends of our family and we will miss her.
David Mackaman
03/19/2015
John and Ann - Your parents were wonderful. I remember them both fondly as long time family friends. I can't think of a more caring,kinder, or gentler person than Dr. Reed with the possible exception of your mother. What a gift for the two of you and for Ruth to be able to celebrate her birthday together last weekend. Warms my heart, but so sad to lose her.
Deb Bergstrom
03/17/2015
Ann and John,
Bob and I are keeping you in our prayers. Aunt Ruth will be missed, she was always so very special to me. We had a special connection with our nursing backgrounds. What I valued most was the love Ruth showed to each and every family member. It was fitting that she was the last of the nine siblings to pass, as she was the glue in the Anderson family.
Last weekend we had a wonderful time celebrating aunt Ruths 90th birthday with cousins and family. Lots of stories, laughs, tears and then our final goodbye.
RIP Aunt Ruth, mom would be so happy that we were with you all weekend.
Deb and Bob and family
Julie and Fred Reed
03/17/2015
We didn't know know Ruth but she raised a wonderful man like you, John. It is clear she was greatly loved and admired by you and by many others.
Patti Verlengia
03/17/2015
Ruth was such a sweet person with a fun spirit and a kind heart. I feel lucky to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with you Ann and John.