Ruth Merryfield Dyer

After a long, full life, Ruth Merryfield Dyer, passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2016, just six days short of her 95th birthday.

Ruth was a life-long Iowan, born on April 22, 1921 to Carl and Alice Merryfield, the second of five children. She was of Dutch ancestry and loved visiting her relatives in Pella, IA and celebrating her Dutch heritage. She was a dedicated wife to Elwin Dyer for over 50 years. She cherished her only daughter, Nancy, who she lost in 2015. Ruth was a loving grand-mother and great-grandmother.

She was extremely creative in arts and crafts and it was a joy (and a privilege) to receive one of her hand-made quilts or crocheted throws. She was a gifted Portrait Artist and was commissioned to paint oil paintings of World War II soldiers, bringing their black and white portraits to life with color. Along with her artistic talents, she was a fabulous cook and baker - her homemade chicken and noodles were a taste of heaven and her Dutch letter pastries were delectable. Ruth loved dogs, especially her precious schnauzer, Pepper and her daughter Nancy's little dog, Ivy. She was an avid gardener with a green thumb. Ruth lived in her home her entire life until her passing, reading the Des Moines Register every day.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Bernice Klebbs and Carl, Don, and Bob Merryfield, her husband, Elwin Dyer, and her daughter, Nancy Polson. She is survived by her grandchildren, Mark (Lola) Soutter of Atlanta, GA and Robin (Tony) Borich of Altoona, IA. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Amy Borich of Pleasant Hill, IA, Anthony (Chelsea) Borich of Pleasant Hill, IA and Connor Soutter of Atlanta, GA.

The family of Ruth Dyer would like to thank special friends Jan Wickett and Joyce Adams for all the kindness and support they gave our Grandmother these last several months.

Funeral arrangements will be made by Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Friends may come to call upon the family on Wednesday, April 20th from 10:00 to 11:00 AM and services will immediately follow. Please visit www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com to express condolences.

In lieu of flowers, any charitable donations may be directed to any local veterans associations.

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