Ruth L. Switzer (1927-2020)

SWITZER, STROTHER, MARTIN

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 11/14/2020 at 20:44:24

Ruth L. Switzer, 93, of Hiawatha entered her heavenly home on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Keystone Cedars of Cedar Rapids.

A public visitation will be held Monday, November 16, 2020 at 10:00 am at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Funeral services will be held Monday, November 16, 2020 at 11:00 am at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories with burial at Olin Cemetery. As mandated by proclamation, social distancing must be practiced which requires a limited number of people to be allowed into the visitation at one time. The use of facemasks or shields are required. A livestream for this service may be viewed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/32101895.

Ruth was born on July 28, 1927 to Raymond and Gladys (Strother) Martin in rural Martelle, Iowa. Following graduation from Martelle High School in 1944, she became secretary for both the Martelle School Superintendent and later at Coe College. Ruth was united in marriage to Bernard Switzer on March 28, 1947 in Olin, Iowa. Ruth met Bernard while dancing to the 40’s swing music that she loved at the Highway Gardens Ballroom in Stanwood. Together, they welcomed five children to their family. Over the years, she enjoyed researching her genealogy, watching Lawrence Welk and spending time with her growing family. She might not have loved cooking, but her children remember her as an amazing cook who could stretch a pound of hamburger a dozen different ways. With her children almost grown, she rejoined the workforce at Rockwell Collins as an Administrative Assistant until her retirement.

She is survived by her four daughters, Bonnie (Arnie) Reif, Beckie (Greg) Williams, Joy (Kent) Jackson, Susan Preston; daughter-in-law; Jenny Switzer, brother, Charles (Nancy) Martin; sister, Margaret (Don) Koppenhaver; sisters-in-law, Beverly Eyestone, Becky Martin, eight grandchildren; Scott (Stacey) Williams, Laura (Everett) Klinefelter, Emily (Casey) Ealy, Shane (Kendra) Preston, Jason (Chelsea) Preston, Elyse (Michael) Feltman, Ryan and John Switzer; and 18 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 69 years, Bernard; cherished son, Steven Switzer (2017); brother, Wayne Martin; and grandson, Kurt Reif,

Ruth was a wonderful, devoted and loving wife and mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, leaving special memories for all. She was quiet, gentle, and strong, she was our rock. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed towards the family for several charities that were special to her.

The family would like to thank everyone at Keystone Cedars that gave our mom such loving care in her last year.