Ruth Gragg (1920-2006)

GRAGG, RICHARDSON, JOHNSON, HIGHLAND, MATHEASON

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 7/28/2007 at 21:13:29

The Story City Herald, Wednesday, September 16, 2006.

Ruth Gragg, age 86, of Story City and formerly of Boone, died September 2, 2006, at the Rolling Green Village in Nevada where she had been a resident since May 18, 2005. Funeral services were Friday, Sept. 8, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. at the Evangelical Free Church in Boone where Rev. Steve Gehman officiated. Burial was in the Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone.

Ruth was born on May 24, 1920, near Maxwell, Iowa, the daughter of Diehl and Izaoma (Johnson) Richardson. She graduated from Maxwell High School in 1938. On March 6, 1938, she married George Highland in Webster City. George died in May of 1956. On July 2, 1971, Ruth married James Gragg in Oberlin, Kansas. He passed away in July of 1999.

Ruth was employed at Donnelley Marketing in Nevada and Bourn's in Ames, retiring in 1985. She was a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Boone and active in the Bible Study Group. She enjoyed collecting angel figurines, babysitting her grandchildren, traveling, playing Bingo, old country western music, and in earlier years, she enjoyed dancing. She moved to Story City in 2001 and to Nevada in 2005.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, infant son, Ronald, a son, Robert, a daughter, Thordis 'Sammie', a grandson, Chad, three sisters, two brothers, and her stepmother.

Ruth is survived by two sons, Kenneth Highland and wife Mary and Richard Highland, all of Des Moines; a daughter, Georgette Matheason and husband Ken of Story City; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Memorials may be given to Iowa Hospice in Johnston.

Schroeder Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall in Boone was in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences and guestbook are available at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com.