CLEARY, Ruth Ann 1906-2005

CLEARY, NELSON, CHRISTOPHER, BAHR

Posted By: Jeffrey R Phillips (email)
Date: 2/16/2005 at 21:06:32

Ruth Ann Cleary

Ruth Ann Cleary

Ruth Ann Cleary, age 98 of Parkersburg, passed away Jan. 19, 2005, at the Maple Manor Care Center in Aplington. She was born April 29, 1906, the daughter of Lars Peter and Ane ‘Lise' (Lizzie) Nelson Christopher in ParkersburgIowa.

She was baptized in Parkersburg in 1908 and confirmed in the First Congregational Church in 1920. She graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1924. In 1925, she started school at Kahler Nursing School in Rochester, Minn. but returned home to help her mother run her restaurant in Parkersburg.

She was united in marriage with Edward William Cleary on June 22, 1931, at the home of her parents in Parkersburg. The couple lived their entire married life in Parkersburg. Together with her mother, she owned and operated the Christopher Café and Hotel until 1945. She cared for her mother in her home from 1945 until 1970.

Cleary was a member of the First Congregational Church in Parkersburg since 1920, where she taught Sunday School in the church and was Sunday School Superintendent for many years. She was also a member of the Ladies Guild and Missionary Society in church, and a member of the Royal Neighbors in which she held the office of Recorder. She was also a member of Compass Chapter Order of the Eastern Star in Parkersburg, which later affiliated with Cedar Falls Chapter Number 78.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother Morris Peter Christopher; and a half-sister Eva Bahr.

Cleary is survived by sons Charles (Janice) Cleary of Parkersburg and John (Karen) Cleary of Ackley; daughter Margaret (Harlan) Schuck of Parkersburg; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Jan. 22, 2005, at the First Congregational Church in Parkersburg, with the Rev. Ron Bartlett officiating. Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg.

The 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.