Ruth Willis-Quick
February 21, 2011
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Service Details
Ruth E. Willis-Quick, 93, of Des Moines, passed away peacefully Monday, February 21, 2011, at Karen Acres in Urbandale, IA. Funeral services for Mrs. Willis-Quick will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 25, 2011, at Grand View Lutheran Church in Des Moines. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.
The daughter of William and Esther Larson, Ruth was born on November 19, 1917 in Dayton, Iowa. She graduated from Dayton High School and moved to Des Moines to attend Capital City Commercial College. On June 6, 1939, she wed the love of her life Richard B. Willis. They were married for nearly 50 years at the time of his passing in 1990.
One of the most endearing qualities that Ruth possessed was her compassion for others. She volunteered her time for many years by accompanying nursing home residents to medical appointments, church or to the grocery store. She was a self-taught saxophonist and used her talent for entertaining at church functions, community centers and at nursing homes.
Ruth enjoyed many summers at the family cabin on Ten Mile Lake in Hackensack, MN. There, she continued performing with her saxophone at community centers and nursing homes. She was a much requested performer in both Des Moines and in Hackensack. Her famous "Flea Circus" routine was always a favorite.
Ruth gave back to the community whenever possible. She was one of the original members of the Luther Care Property Committee which planned and implemented the Luther Park Campus that she later called home.
In Ruth's 93 years, she touched many lives. The memories that she leaves behind will be a constant reminder of her generosity, compassion for others and sense of humor.
Those left to honor her memory are sons Ron Willis (Mickie), Marty Willis (Liz), all of West Des Moines; daughter, Karen Filby (Don) of Jacksonville, FL; eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; granddaughter, Lori (Willis) Stohlberg; and two sisters. Ruth was remarried to Al Quick for several years until his passing in 2001.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Central Iowa, 2910 Westown Parkway #200, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 or to Grand View Lutheran Church.
Online condolences may be sent to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Elaine Willis Forry
02/25/2011
I am so sorry to hear of Aunt Ruth's passing. I fondly remember the rare occassions when our family went to Des Moines or your family came up to Aplington. My thoughts and prayers are with Ron, Marty and Karen and your families.
Kathy Worthington
02/25/2011
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for the loss of your mother.
Kathy, David and The Worthington Family
JIm and Janelle Willis
02/24/2011
We are sorry to hear of the loss of Ruth. Unfortunately we will not be able to attend her service on Friday, but we will be remembering you in our thoughts and prayers.
We always enjoyed being with her. The humor and spunk she had will long be remembered. We also were able to enjoy some selections on her saxophone.
Since we have both lost parents, we do know the pain of going through this time of loss. Even if it is expected, the transition and acceptance is difficult. The greatest generation that lived is now missing one more on the earth, but she is rejoicing in heaven.
We appreciate the phone message from Marty. Since we don't have anyone's current address, we can't send a card, so decided to let you know this way that you are much in our thoughts. We will be sending a memorial to Hospice in her name as noted at the bottom of the obituary.
Love, Jim and Janelle