Ruth C. Tibboel

Ruth Catherine Tibboel (90), joined the Lord on December 4, 2020 at Trinity Center in Des Moines. She was born December 10, 1929 to Leonard and Alta (Van Hal) Van Soelen in Taintor, Iowa. The family lived near Eddyville and Pella before settling on a farm by Pleasantville, where Ruth graduated from high school. She attained her elementary teachers diploma from the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls and taught at one-room schools for several years – one of the highlights of her life.

Ruth married Herman Tibboel on June 5, 1953 and moved to Des Moines. An at-home mother until returning to the workforce in 1963 as a clerk in the Polk County Treasurer’s Office, Motor Vehicle Division, she worked there over 30 years. After retiring she volunteered at the Polk County Heritage Gallery.

The newlyweds were early members of the Des Moines Christian Reformed Church (now Crossroads Fellowship CRC) and she remained a faithful member. After Herman’s death in 1967, Ruth was a sterling example of a strong woman and dedicated parent. She served at church by teaching Sunday School, directing Christmas programs, and with Calvinettes. She was also a Girl Scout leader and went to night school to work toward a bachelor’s degree so she could teach again.

Ruth showered her family with care and, always, food – no one ever left her home hungry. She had a life-long love of reading, enjoyed observing birds and wildflowers, gardening and just puttering around her yard. She was a farm girl at heart and always liked drives in the countryside. Ruth was greatly loved and loving and will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her children Clark (Pat) Tibboel, Carla Tibboel; grandchildren Ian (Whitney) Tibboel and Jenica (Benjamin) Hickey; and sisters-in-law Betty Van Soelen Stewart and Marilyn Van Soelen
She was preceded in death by her husband Herman, her parents, and brothers Gerald, Paul (Pearl), and Lloyd.

Ruth’s family give special thanks to the Luther Park staff and St. Croix Hospice for their excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Crossroads Fellowship Christian Reformed Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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