Ruth Margaret (Meyer) LERDAL

LERDAL, MEYER, WIER, GUYER, JAMES, SMITH

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 10/6/2013 at 14:56:38

January 30, 1914 --- October 3, 2013

Ruth Margaret (Meyer) Lerdal died peacefully and surrounded by family at her home in Bickford Cottage on October 3, 2013. She was 99 years old. A gathering of family and friends will be held Sunday, October 6th from 5-7 pm at The Kirkwood Room, next to Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City. A funeral service will be held Thursday, October 10th at 11 am at the Renwick United Methodist Church in Renwick, IA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Iowa City Hospice, the Renwick Public Library, a charity of choice or a donation to someone in need in Ruth's honor.

Ruth was born in Britt, Iowa on January 30, 1914 to Lois and Henry Meyer. She graduated from Britt High School and attended the Britt Junior College for one year. She then attended the University of Minnesota, graduating with a degree in Home Economics Education in 1935. Ruth taught in a number of Iowa school districts including College Springs, Onawa, Humboldt and Woden-Crystal Lake. She finished her teaching career in the Kanawha School District. She was also an Extension Home Economist for Franklin County.

Ruth married James Lerdal of rural Goldfield in 1948. In 1954 they moved to Lochhaven, the family farm, near Renwick. They had three children, Lois, Jim and John. Following her husband's death in 1984, she moved to Britt in 1987. Ruth moved to Humboldt in 1999. She moved to the Iowa City area in 2012. Wherever she lived, she quickly developed deep friendships that endured until her death. Ruth was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Humboldt.

Ruth is survived by her sister Lois (Joe) Wier of Colts Neck, New Jersey, and children Lois James (Bruce Guyer) of Iowa City, Jim Lerdal of Des Moines and John Lerdal of Des Moines; her grandchildren Jeremy James of North Liberty and Sarah (Jeff) Smith of Des Moines, great grandchildren Brooklynn Smith and Carson Smith and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Henry, and daughter-in-law Sue.

Ruth enjoyed sharing her knowledge, painting, quilting, gardening, walking, reading and most of all spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ruth was a wonderful wife, mother, teacher and friend. The family is most appreciative of the compassionate care Ruth received from Bickford Cottage, Hawthorne Inn, Iowa City Hospice and Dr. Lisa Johnson. Lensing Funeral Home - Iowa City, Iowa.

October 6, 2013
Fort Dodge Messenger -- Fort Dodge, Iowa