Alma Ruth Whipple

Alma Ruth Whipple died on March 17, 2015 at age 91. She was born September 17, 1923 in Pekin, Illinois to Harry and Ruth (Bohm) Williams. She was a graduate of Havana High School, Havana, Illinois. She married Frank Whipple May 1, 1950 in Garwin, Iowa

Alma enjoyed a varied and rewarding career. She was a telegrapher for Western Union, a receptionist for Collins Radio, helped operate the family farm, an investment secretary for Investors Diversified Services, and cafeteria manager for Bishop’s and John Deere, before retiring in 1988.

Alma loved to do so many things…dancing, cooking, and being on the water. She loved to travel, especially with her sister throughout the Midwest researching genealogy. She enjoyed every aspect of nature, and admired much of it sitting on the bank of the Mississippi river with a fishing pole in her hand or at Lake of the Ozarks watching her family play on the water.

She was passionate about family, faith and country. Her fullest enjoyment was being in the midst of every family function, taking great pride in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her great-great grandson. She attended Grimes Presbyterian church when her health and weather would allow. She was a member of the DAR, and an avid volunteer at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines, calling hundreds of veterans weekly to remind them of their appointments and to chat with those longing for some conversation. She loved volunteering as a Senior Companion in the Des Moines area assisting the elderly with transportation and companionship resulting in life-long friendships.

She is survived by daughters, Jackie Crandall of Dillon, Colorado, Diane (Nick) Cibolski of Grimes, Iowa; son, Frank (Judy) Whipple of Bettendorf, Iowa; nine grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; brother, Dale (Beverly) Williams of Coldwater, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank; two brothers, Harry Williams and Glenn Williams; sister, Doris Sufficool; and baby sisters, Glenna and Wilma who died in childhood.

Per Alma’s wishes, cremation has occurred and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa with visitation one hour prior.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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