Ruth Pearson

Ruth Ann Pearson passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, October 13, 2018. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 2018. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at the church with a Rosary at 4 p.m. prior to visitation. There will be a luncheon immediately following the funeral service on Wednesday at Hy-Vee Corporate Conference Center at 5820 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. Interment will occur at Resthaven Cemetery, 801 19th Street, West Des Moines, following the luncheon.

Ruth was born in Des Moines to Wayman Tracy Gift and Lillian Elizabeth Hillman Gift and attended St. Peter’s Elementary School and St. Jospeh’s Academy. She was a graduate of East High School. She married Ronald Dale Pearson on September 15, 1962. One of her treasured milestones was the celebration of their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Ruth was a proud Des Moines eastsider and worked many summers at the Iowa State Fair during her high school years. She was employed at the Chevrolet corporate offices in Des Moines before her marriage and later worked at Dressings on Fifth in Valley Junction. Ruth treasured the years she raised her family and the opportunity she had to be such a significant part of their formative years.

The loves of her life were her husband, children, grandchildren, family and her Bible Study group which met weekly. She enjoyed playing golf, tennis and bridge. For many years, Ruth was the First Lady of Hy-Vee, generously giving of her time, talents and treasures. She also served for two years as First Lady of the Food Marketing Institute, a worldwide organization.

Ruth was a member of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Des Moines and Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. She was active in several social clubs in both Des Moines and Scottsdale. Ruth was an avid supporter of Variety – The Children’s Charity and co-chaired the Variety Telethon one year.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ron; her daughter, Lezli Pearson; her son, Joel (Amy) Pearson; brothers, Bud Gift and Tom (Donna) Gift; sister, Dolly Dalbey; grandchildren, Lilliana Stokes, Sarina Stokes, Jonathon Pearson, Spencer Pearson, Owen Pearson and Caroline Pearson; sisters-in-law, Diana (Bob) Van Gundy and Cynthia (Bob) Murray; brothers-in-law, David (Jean) Pearson, Doug (Sherry) Pearson and Tim (Sara) Pearson; and a host of other family and beloved friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Betty Zarling; nephew, Gregory Dalbey, niece, Laura Pearson; brother-in-law, Jerry Pearson; and sisters-in-law, Ellie Gift and Velma Pearson.

The family wishes to thank her wonderful team of doctors and caregivers.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Variety - the Children’s Charity.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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