Ruth Beye Shank

SHANK, KETCHUM, SLIGER, BISSELL, DEPPE, LORIE, BOYD

Posted By: Tara (email)
Date: 6/26/2009 at 16:41:30

Ruth Beye Shank, better known to many as Pinky, died at home on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007, following a brief illness.

Pinky was born in Iowa City on July 10, 1932. She was the daughter of Dr. Howard, who was former chairman of the Dept. of Surgery at UIHC, and Ruth Kethcum Beye. Pinky was a lifelong resident of Iowa City and a 1952 graduate of Iowa City City High School, she attended Monticello Finishing School 1952-54 in Godfrey, Illinois.

Pinky married James Shank, also a lifelong resident of Iowa City and graduate of City High at Trinity Episcopal Church on May 16, 1954. In May 2005 Jim and Pinky celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Pinky had a great sense of humor which delighted all that knew her. Over her lifetime, Pinky raised three girls and was employed by Gifts by JaLor, Enzler’s, Bonnie’s Toys, and Potpourri. She was active in many groups and local organizations through out the years, including but not limited to the Athens Book Club, Questers, Tri-T, Bridge Club, “PMS” and Swim Group and she was a very creative Girl Scout Leader. She received the “Service To Mankind Award” from the Seratoma Club for her volunteer work at Oaknoll Retirement Residence, where she was also was a member of the Resident Advocate Committee.

Survivors include, her husband, Jim
Three daughters,
Brigitte (Wayne) Sliger and Heather Shank, both of Iowa City
Leanne Bissell of Taos, New Mexico

Five Grandchildren, Jordan and twins Caleb and Gabriel Bissell
Madeline and Olivia Sliger
Five siblings
Dr. Cyrus (Ruth) Beye of Yankton, South Dakota
Charles Rowen Beye, PhD. (Richard Deppe) of Cambridge, Massachusetts
Helen “Holly” Beye of Lake Katrine, New York
Barbara Beye Lorie of Pittsboro, North Carolina
Jane Beye Boyd of San Diego, California

Preceded by her parents