"Sorryto having. Just saw this Ruth was my teacher. N high school she. Held a Speacail pace in my life I wanted to quit but she wouldn't ley me .She kept me going .30 yrs later I'm. Most gratefulto. Ruth may she rest on Peace "
In loving memory of
Ruth Ann Zimmerman
December 19, 1929 - June 24, 2017
Ruth Ann Zimmerman, 87, of Maquoketa, IA passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family Saturday evening, June 24th, 2017.
Her life will be celebrated July 8, with visitation from 9:30 to 11:15 A.M. followed by an 11:30 service, at First United Methodist Church,1019 Wesley Street in Maquoketa, where Ruth Ann was a longtime active member.
Ruth Ann was born December 19,1929, to Benjamin Flora and Grace Flora (Hedrick) in St. Louis, MO. She spent her childhood in nearby Brentwood, MO with her older siblings, William (who recently passed away) and Margaret. She graduated from Brentwood High School in June of 1947.
The popular cheerleader and prom queen met the love of her life, Dwight Zimmerman, while visiting her mother in Menahga, MN the following summer. Dwight was a 21 year old World War II veteran and Ruth Ann liked that he seemed older.
Ruth Ann returned to St. Louis in the fall and Dwight soon followed on a train for a visit. He showed up with a jar full of baby bullheads, a favorite of Ruth Ann's, and the intention of making her his wife. She returned to Menahga where they married in Dwight's parent's home December 19, 1947, Ruth Ann's 18th birthday.
Their marriage lasted 35 years until Dwight's passing in 1982. Their time together was filled with many adventures. Tragically they lost their first child, Steven Earl, two days after his birth. Soon after, Dwight left to serve in the Korean War. After returning, Dwight earned an education degree and their life began in earnest. They put down roots in Maquoketa but traveled often and spent summers in Menahga. Along the way, they welcomed sons Scott, Dana, Jeffrey and a daughter, Jill.
At 38, Ruth Ann returned to school and graduated in three years with a four year degree in Special Education from the University of Dubuque. She taught at Maquoketa High School for 23 years. She was also involved with the Maquoketa Education Association, Beta Sigma Phi, PEO International and was a lifelong member of the National Education Association of the United States.
Ruth Ann retired in 1994. She split time between homes in Maquoketa, Bradenton, FL and Menahga.
She loved swimming, walking, reading, fishing, spending time at the beach and traveling including to celebrate any family event. She was an avid sports fan, especially when it came to her beloved St. Louis Cardinals. She sought out a bridge game whenever possible and scheduled plans around Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. She was a gifted conversationalist with a razor sharp wit and excellent memory. Those skills shined through especially when spending time with friends and, most of all, her family. She lived with a deep faith in Jesus Christ, read her Bible daily and belonged to churches in each state she resided. She looked forward to her eternal life and said she had a lot of people to see.
She will be remembered dearly and missed by many. They include her sister, Margaret Micka of Bradenton, FL; her children Philip Scott Zimmerman (Barbara Hohmann) of Maquoketa; Dana Keith Zimmerman (Mary) of Ames, IA; Jeffrey Dwight Zimmerman of Maquoketa; and Jill Louise Osterhaus (Dan Mortenson) of Eagan, MN; sister-in-law Carol Larsen (Al) of CO; as well as 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Memorials preferred in lieu of other expressions of sympathy and will support Ruth Ann's favorite charities.
Tributes
"Scott and families,
During difficult times thoughts of days past bring us comfort.
Rev. 21:3,4 brings us such hope for the future.
Sharon Rockwell"
"Jill and family. Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. Joe and Shelley Heinrich"
"Jill, Jeff, Dana & Scott.... Your Mother was a Class Act. She never seemed to get upset when we raided your refrigerator after weighing in for a wrestling meet,or any other stunt we pulled as kids. (At least not in my presence). Audrey & I always respected her, and enjoyed speaking with her every time our paths crossed. She always had a kind word and a pleasant disposition. You were lucky to have had her for a Mother. Bob & Audrey Winegar"
"Moving to Maquoketa from Kansas as a new social studies instructor and meeting Dwight and Ruth Ann almost immediately. They were both so considerate in welcoming Me my wife Judy and daughter Erin to Maquoketa and making us feel good about our move. I remember the first meeting with Dwight he asked if we needed any money until my first pay check. I know he would have helped with what ever we needed but we were okay. In the 14 years as a fellow instructor the Zimmerman's were always very good friends. "
"Susan vogt So sorry to hear of Ruth Ann's passing. she was such a kind and loving person. She will be missed by many. Her picture reminded me of Aunt Grace and. Grandma Krigbaum. It brought back many fond memories. May her spirt always be with you .Susie"
"Ruth Ann was one of the kindest neighbors any one could have at 3 rd Bayshore. Her bright smile and wit will be surely missed . Our condolences to you all . Char & Dave Ratkovec Third Bayshore G 23"
"how I shall miss my friend and good neighbor! We had some fun times and always hooked up every Fall! She is missed so much and loved by all who knew her! I wonder who inherited her friend John? Thanks for every thing Ruth Ann! Love Beryl"
"I remember working at Cardinal and attending the Field Days at the high school.i always enjoyed talking with Ruth Ann. She was a great lady and a wonderful teacher. You have my deepest sympathy"
"Ruth Ann's life as told to here was full of love and interaction with others. These are qualities she passed down to Scott and her other family. Please accept our deepest condolences. - Davelis family: Pamela, George, Georgina, and Jason. "
"To the Zimmerman family- you have my deepest sympathy. Your mom was a great teacher. The love for Dwight you could always see. In 1982 I won the Dwight Zimmerman citizenship award. May God bring you comfort im the days ahead.."
"JEFF IM SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR MOMS PASSING"
"Ruth Ann was such an important person in my life. She was there for me as a brand new teacher and mentor. Her joy for life, concern for all and good old common sense were there like a rock for all to see. She kept a young, vibrant outlook and was such a compliment to her beloved Dwight. She will always hold a special place in my heart. My sympathies and prayers for you, Jill, Jeff, Dana and Scott. "
"Ruthann You have been our very close friend for 18 years-we had lots of good times together! You will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Jack and Gale"
"We will remember Ruthann as a strong, intelligent, pretty lady who was loved by so many at Third Bayshore. Our sympathy to Ruthann's family. Sincerely, Wayne and Kathy Fisher"
"Ruth Ann was a fun person to be around, with always a welcoming smile. Her passing will leave a big gap in our hearts. Condolences from Tony and Sue. "
"God has reserved a special place for Ruth in heaven.Ruth was very well liked by all. Ruth is probably looking down from Heaven and smiling at all of us for our kind and loving words. God bless you, Ruth"
"What a wonderful long life Ruth had, and a great blessings to her family. I know you will miss her very much. Sorry for your loss. Pat Lemley "
"Ruth Ann's kindness, thoughtfulness - and unparalleled sense of humor - will be always very much missed. With love - Suzanne"
"Ruth Ann was such a lovely lady, with a great sense of humor. Thoughts and prayers for her family. We will miss her at Third Bayshore - she was always in the midst of things and willing to help. Hugs& prayers, Kathi & Larry Dobrowsky "
"She was a wonderful person and friend will miss you. Eileen Keess"
"So sorry for your loss she will be missed. Loved working with her at school. Curt and Chy Gruver"
"Edward D..Micka Jr. Ruth Ann will be missed by all who knew and loved her so very much.I recall good memories while growing up and fishing in Minnesota at Twin Lakes and Ruth Ann being such a great mentor and teacher that all who knew her loved her so very much.Good -bye Ruth Ann and may you rest in peace.Love Eddie."
"Jill and family. So very sorry for your loss. With our deepest sympathy. "
"Ruth was such a dear sweet woman. Loved working with her to set up employment for her students years ago when I was at C.B. Company. She was such a dedicated teacher,wife,mother,grandmother and friend. She will be missed by all. Thoughts and prayers Scott,Dana,Jeff,Jill and family.????'?"
"So sorry to hear. She was on the DAC Board for a number of years and was always such a nice person."
"Cecil and Sheila Bentley"