Services were held Dec. 17 at St Columbkille Catholic Church in Churdan for Ruth Eleanor Fitzpatrick, 93, of Churdan.
The Rev John Gerald, pastor of the church, celebrated the Mass of Christian Burial. Steve Haywood was soloist, accompanied by Lois Last. The church choir with cantor Greg Carey also sang. Honorary bearers were Ruth’s grandchildren.
Casket bearers were Kevin Fitzpatrick Jr, Daniel Fitzpatrick, Brendon Fitzpatrick, Mike Marsh, Reese Fitzpatrick, Katie Fitzpatrick, Megan Jones and Ben Claypool. Interment was at St Patrick Catholic Cemetery west of Churdan.
Ruth Branstetter was born in Steamboat Rock on July 24, 1928. She was the daughter of Ada McAfee Branstetter and Virgil Branstetter. Ruth lived in Steamboat Rock, Eagle Grove, Sutherland and Milford throughout her childhood. She was a member of Campfire Girls, Girl Scouts and was a Girl Reserve. Part-time jobs while growing up included working at M&M Ice Cream Shoppe, Doug’s Café, and at other cafés in Sutherland and Milford.
Ruth loved spending time with nephews and nieces, taking them to the rollerskating rink and swimming. Ruth’s dad bought a bowling alley, and Ruth set pins as a part time job. She enjoyed bowling so much that she became a Class B All Events Champion at state during her college years.
Ruth graduated from Milford High School in 1946. She continued her education at Buena Vista Teacher Training Program, graduating in 1948. She taught school at Arnold’s Park where, at the request of students, she also established and led a Girl Scout troop. Ruth’s teaching career also included employment in Jefferson, Churdan, and Paton.
Ruth was united in marriage to Richard George Fitzpatrick in 1953 in Milford. The couple made their home on the Fitzpatrick family farm in Churdan. They became the parents of Richard, Robert, Kevin, Tim, Karin, Teresa, Maura, Susan, Sharon, Phillip, and Paul. Ruth carried her teaching talents over to her home and children as she passed on her love of cooking, decorating, crafts, and growing vegetables and flowers.
Ruth and Dick enjoyed camping and traveling with their family each summer. Favorite trips included visiting Kentucky, Minnesota, Yellowstone, Washington DC, Florida, California and Arizona. They loved entertaining brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, and enjoyed creating family memories.
Ruth loved to read, and served on the Churdan Library board for many years. She was a member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Churdan. She loved attending sports events and activities of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ruth passed away December 10, 2021, at the age of 93 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dick, with whom she celebrated 53 years of marriage; sons Richard and Robert; and siblings Robert, Helen, Merle, Rose, Leonard, and Charles.
Survivors include children Kevin (Cindy) Fitzpatrick of Churdan, Tim (Ann) Fitzpatrick of Carroll, Karin (Gary) Jones of Corydon, Teresa (Bob) Burnett of Goodyear, AZ,Maura (Mike) Marsh of Coon Rapids, twins, Susan (Doug) Kruse of Belgrade, MT, and Sharon (Robin) Claypool of Marshalltown, and twins Phillip (Laurie) Fitzpatrick of Omaha, and Paul (Val) Fitzpatrick of Carroll. Also surviving are 19 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and her sister,Pearl.
Ruth would like anyone who attends her funeral to wear bright colors to celebrate her life, not to mourn her death.
Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson
