Ruby Fern (Carstens) COOK

CARSTENS, COOK, CURTIS, ELWELL, SIMS, SCHRODER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 11/26/2015 at 14:03:53

June 6, 1919 --- August 11, 2015

West Des Moines -- We lost our Mom, Ruby Carstens Cook, on August 11, 2015. She was 96 years old and a resident at Bickford Cottage of Urbandale. A family graveside service was held August 14, 2015 at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery.

Mom was born in Galt, Iowa, raised in Dows and was the oldest of six children. While in California, she met our Dad, Raymond Cook, and they married in 1944. They raised their five children here in Des Moines. She worked as the Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Alumni and Development at Drake University for 22 years before retiring in 1989. She loved big band music and was a passionate ballroom dancer.

She leaves behind her five children, Jon Cook (Janet), Jim Cook, Janis Curtis (Alan), Jody Elwell (Mike), Jeri Sims (John), eight grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, two siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lastly, but most important, is how Mom was true to her name "Ruby". A jewel whose beauty and generosity knew no bounds and who was the epitome of selflessness. Her family was her world and she was our hero. While her passing is a blessing for her, she leaves behind a long string of broken hearts. Remember to hug your Mom today.

Des Moines Register -- Des Moines, Iowa
August 23, 2015

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[daughter of John Carstens and Lena Marie (Schroder)