Ruth Anne Petrak
January 04, 1934 — September 15, 2023
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Service Details
Ruth Anne Petrak, age 89, passed away peacefully Friday, September 15, 2023, at Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha, Iowa.
Ruth Anne was born January 4, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa to Howard Norval Beard and Helene Ruth (Elliott) Beard. She lived in a number of places in Iowa including Dayton, Red Oak, Rock Rapids, and Rockwell City, before settling again in Des Moines where she remained for the final 24 years of her life.
Ruth Anne graduated from North High School in 1952 and then earned her Bachelor’s degree from Drake University. She raised four children with her first husband and was an active member of Epworth United Methodist Church for many years. Later, she married Ronald Dean Petrak and their love for each other was and is unparalleled. She had a sharp mind and worked as a reporter for The Des Moines Register and Tribune. She also worked as a curriculum writer and did free-lance work. She enjoyed her involvement with Hawthorn Hill Ministries and was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. She was a part of the American Association of University Women, United Methodist Women, and the Methodist Federation for Social Action.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Ronald D. Petrak; children, Kenneth Brown (Denise), Louise Rhode (Scott), Keith Brown (Diane), and Philip Brown (Kris); stepchildren, Mary Petrak, Keith Petrak, and Mark Petrak (Liz); ten grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and other extended family and friends.
Ruth Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Helene Beard, and her stepson John Petrak.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, September 22, 2023, at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street Des Moines, IA 50309. Funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, with interment to follow at Berwick Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Ron. They will be distributed among the American Association of University Women, United Methodist Women, Methodist Federation for Social Action, and Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Steve Pohlman
09/24/2023
Our sympathy and concern upon RuthAnne's death. Praise God for her good work in making this world a better place. Steve Pohlman
Gary & Louise Sprague
09/23/2023
Gary so enjoyed his time at Grand View with Ruth Anne as her journalism student and as the newspaper editor she supervised. Louise was thrilled to have her share family history and her old pictures.
Please stay in touch with the Spragues, we will surely miss Ruth Anne.
Marie Brown
09/23/2023
I just learned of RuthAnnes passing. My condolences are with you Ron and the family. I so enjoyed seeing you two at the Petrak reunion in Swisher. I tried to call but have an old number, sure would love to talk to you, my number is 319-721-5799.
Ed Kail
09/21/2023
We celebrate a rich, full and fruitful life!
My connection goes back to the IAUMC Camping ministry. Good and growing times together.
EdK
Jane Emry Becker
09/19/2023
Ron and Family,
I am so sorry to learn of RuthAnnes passing. My family and I so loved sitting with you during worship at Grace. I will remember RuthAnne for her warm smile, kind eyes, and her ability to make everyone she met feel important, seen, and loved. You are in my heart.
Rev Laurie Riley
09/19/2023
Ron, Phil and Kris and all the rest of Ruth's family. I am sorry to hear of her passing but know she is safely in God's hands. Always enjoyed connecting with her over the years. May God's peace be with you all as you celebrate her life and remember her with smiles and tears.
Dale Schoening
09/18/2023
Ron and family, I am deeply sorry to learn of Ruth Anne's death. She was truly committed to justice and dignity for all. I pray God's comfort for all of you as you mourn her death and give thanks for her life.