Gross, Ruth A. 1918-2011

GROSS, WARSTLER, PARKER, CHUTE

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 10/21/2014 at 21:16:40

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register
Jan. 27, 2011

RUTH A. GROSS

Ruth Gross, 92, of Grinnell died Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011, at Mayflower Community Health Care Center.

A celebration of life service was held Monday, Jan. 24, at Sheridan United Methodist Church, rural Grinnell, with the Rev. Bonnie Koeppen officiating and Peggy Parker as pianist. Pallbearers were Mark Allen, David Beck, Mark Burkhead, Raymond Graham, John Leris and John Schmidt. Interment was in Sheridan Cemetery.

Memorials may be designated to Sheridan United Methodist Church or to Grinnell Regional Hospice. Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at www.smithfh.com.

She was born Aug. 14, 1918, in Oskaloosa, the daughter of William and Melvia Warstler Parker. She attended school in Oskaloosa, then graduated from Searsboro High School in 1936.

She was united in marriage with Cloyd Gross on Aug. 16, 1936, in Unionville, Mo. They began farming on his family's farm in Sheridan Township northeast of Grinnell. She taught Sunday School and Bible School, was a Methodist Youth Fellowship counselor and choir director, and volunteered as a 4-H leader.

In 1971 she and her husband adopted her brother Don who had lived with them for many of his childhood years.

She was a life-long member of Sheridan United Methodist Church where she served on its administrative council, played the organ and piano, participated in United Methodist Women as served as district officer for nine years. She was also a long-time member of LGT Club and Sheridan Homemakers Club.

She is survived by her brother/adopted son, Donald Parker of Malcom; two granddaughters; and three great-grandsons. She was preceded in death by her husband; her sister Doris Chute; and her brother William (Billy) Parker.