Keefe, Ruth M. (1919-2013)
KEEFE, PRENTICE, KENT, BEAZLEY, POWELL, FREY, PRENTICE
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 5/9/2013 at 14:55:55
Ruth M. Keefe
June 09, 1919 - April 18, 2013Storm Lake, Iowa
Ruth M. Keefe, age 93, of Storm Lake, Iowa, and formerly of Early, Iowa, died on April 18, 2013, at the Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake.
Ruth Marie Prentice was born on June 9, 1919, in Sac City, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Mayme Prentice. In her first years, she lived on a farm in Sac City with her parents and sister who was two years younger. When she was six years old, tragedy struck the family and her mother was taken from her by the Lord. After her mother’s death, she lived with her grandparents until she was twelve years old when she moved back to the farm with her father and sister. She, then, became the woman of the house and a student until she graduated from high school in 1937. Following graduation, she worked in the dime store in Sac City and later for Dr. Molsberry as a dental assistant.
At the age of 23, Ruth met James Keefe. He bid on her picnic basket at a benefit and won her heart for only 18 cents. They married in 1944, and she became a war bride during World War II. Jim was stationed in Denver for a time, and their first child was born there. Ruth, then, moved back to the farm with her husband's parents and soon gave birth to a little girl in 1946. A stay at home mom after the war, she gave birth to two more children in 1949 and 1951. She, then, began working at the Early Locker, and in 1956, she went back to work for Dr. Molsberry. She continued working for him until he retired at which time she began working for Dr. Egeland. A proud dental assistant, she had many wonderful memories and stories she could tell.
In 1981, Ruth retired, and by this time, she was a grandmother to six beautiful grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling with her husband to visit family and friends. She also joined the infamous SOS Club which became an entity and a monthly event from 1946 to 2006.
In 1989, Ruth and Jim left the farm and moved to Early where they lived in their dream house until 2006. She took great pride and joy in their home and often won the contest for the best decorated house in Early during the Christmas season. In the winter of 2006, she and Jim moved to Lake Pointe Villa in Storm Lake, Iowa.
Ruth created a wonderfully warm and loving home for her family. A fabulous cook, she often whistled while she cooked. She loved her garden, her colorful flowers, and she cared very much about the appearance of her home and yard. A compassionate woman, she also showed tremendous strength of character. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, James Keefe, of Storm Lake, Iowa; her children: James F. (Kathy) Keefe, of Lake View, Iowa, Patricia Kent, of Denver, Colorado, and Kathleen Keefe, of Storm Lake, Iowa; her grandchildren, Aaron (Aimee) and Christopher Beazley, Dawn (Dave) Powell, Bridie (Hans) Frey, Andrew (Michele) Kent, and Ryan (Michelle) Keefe; ten great grandchildren: Tyler, Courtney, Aubree, Adam, Brianna, Austin, Aiden, Halley, Jackson, and Alyssa; and a half-brother, Jonathan Prentice; as well as extended family and friends.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Margaret "Peggy" Beazley; and her sister, Fern.
Visitation: 4:00-6:00 p.m., April 21, 2013, at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, Iowa.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m., April 22, 2013, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early, IowaCopyright © 2013, Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Homes
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