e from Lucas County and continued to be a strong Democratic supporter her entire life. Ruth loved the farm and working in her gardens, growing vegetables and flowers to share with family and friends. She was recognized for her more than 40 year attendance at the Norwood United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School and participated in Norwood Ladies Aid service activities for many years. She also enjoyed the Norwood Goodwill Club through the years. Ruth was a charter member of the Lucas County Genealogical Society, founding it as her contribution to the 1976 Bicentennial year. She was interested in family history and enjoyed tracing her and her husband's ancestors back through several generations. One fortunate lineage discovery was an ancestor who fought in the American Revolution. This allowed her and her sisters to be members of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. She was very active in the Old Thirteen Chapter of DAR for many years, holding office at both state and local levels as well as attending the National DAR Conference in Washington DC three times. Preceding Ruth in death were her husband, Bill; 4 brothers: Dwight, Ralph, Dale and Kenneth Vandell; and 5 sisters: Imogene Harlan, Evelyn Fogle, Ruby Crooks, Marie Johnson and Erma Leach. Ruth is survived by her four children: Joan Marie Knutson and friend Rich Richter of Schaumburg, Illinois; James William (Jim) Curtis and wife Peggy of Chariton, Iowa; Joy Ruth Moriarty and husband Bob of Rockford, Illinois; Julie Renee' Phelan and husband Joe of Bettendorf, Iowa; 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; brother Bob Vandell, sister-in-law Mary Vandell and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 25, 2014 at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton with Reverend Paul Miller officiating. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery near Norwood. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 25, 2014 at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Memorials may be given to Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) or Norwood Methodist Church. Condolences may be shared at www.pierschbacherfuneralhome.com