CLEARY, Ruth Ann 1906-2005

CLEARY, NELSON, CHRISTOPHER

Posted By: Jeffrey R. Phillips (email)
Date: 1/31/2005 at 08:08:12

Ruth Ann Cleary

April 29, 1906-January 19, 2005

PARKERSBURG—Ruth Ann Cleary, 98, of Parkersburg died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005, at Maple Manor Care Center in Aplington of natural causes. Funeral services were Saturday, Jan. 22, at the First Congregational Church of Parkersburg with the Rev. Ron Bartlett officiating. Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Parkersburg.

Ruth was born April 29, 1906, the daughter of Lars Peter and Ane Lise (Lizzie) Nelson Christopher in Parkersburg. She graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1924. In 1925, she attended Kahler Nursing School in Rochester, Minn., but returned home to help her mother run her restaurant in Parkersburg. Ruth was united in marriage with Edward William Cleary on June 22, 1931, at the home of her parents. The couple lived their entire married life in Parkersburg. Together with her mother, Ruth owned and operated the Christopher Café and Hotel until 1945. She cared for her mother in her home from 1945 until 1970. Ruth was a member of the First Congregational Church in Parkersburg since 1920. She taught Sunday school and was Sunday school superintendent for many years. She was a member of the Ladies Guild; Missionary Society; Royal Neighbors, in which she held the office of recorder; and Compass Chapter Order of the Eastern Star in Parkersburg, which later affiliated with Cedar Falls Chapter No. 78. Ruth enjoyed gardening, her church work, crocheting, reading, doing crossword puzzles and keeping an accurate record of Oak Hill Cemetery.

Ruth is survived by two sons, Charles Cleary and wife Janice of Parkersburg and John Cleary and wife Karen of Ackley; one daughter, Margaret Schuck and husband Harlan of Parkersburg; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward; one brother, Morris Peter Christopher; and a half-sister, Eva Bahr.

Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home of Parkersburg was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Parkersburg Fire and Ambulance or to Cedar Valley Hospice.