"Mary, I am very sorry for your loss. I had not put together that Ruth was your mother. We were in Embroiderers Guild of America, Heart of Iowa chapter together. I have many memories of your mother from stitching with her and helping her gather supplies for her next project when I worked at the Stitch Inn and Yarn Tree. Please know that I'm thinking about you during this difficult time."
In loving memory of
Ruth Furman
December 4, 1927 - June 24, 2018
Ruth Wyatt Furman of Ames died Sunday, June 24, 2018, at Green Hills Health Care Center in Ames. A visitation will be 4 - 6:00 p.m. Thursday, June 28, at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1517 Northwestern Ave. with a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 29, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Ames. Burial will be at Ames Municipal Cemetery.
Ruth was born December 4, 1927 in Maryville, Missouri the daughter of Fred and Hattie Wyatt. She graduated from Maryville High School and then from Missouri State College, now known as NW Missouri State in education. Ruth taught secondary school and was a guidance counselor. She married Donald Marion Furman on August 3, 1957. She was a very active member of Bethesda Lutheran Church. Ruth was very involved with cross stitch starting in high school in towels from F.W. Woolworth, later sugar sacks and later muslin. She took classes with artists from, Japan, Chinese, Danish, English and American. She loved people admiring the cross stitch and she would say a needle was her best friend.
Ruth was very happy in 2007 when she and Don made a donation to the City of Ames to help fund the aquatic center. During the construction of the aquatic center they enjoyed driving down through the site to check the progress.
Ruth is survived by one daughter Mary (Richard) Fitch, three grandchildren, Nicholas Fitch, Holly (Dwan) Carter and Jenna Fitch and great grandchildren Devin, and Daxel Carter, Julian Button and a niece Katherine Watkins and 8 nieces and 3 nephews from the Furman side.
The family wishes that memorials be sent to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"Mary & Family: We shared many fond memories of your mom- many holidays and family gatherings at the house on Thompson Drive. Family reunions in Clear Lake. Summer get together with the cousins. I believe your mom taught us all the importance of family through her hospitality. We were saddened to learn of Ruth's passing and wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers."
"My condolences to Mary and other family members. Ruth was a very special person as was Don. Knew her through the many church activities. Don (as part of H & F) built our first Ames house. Special people and a great part of the growing of Ames as a city. Their doantions and time and money were very special."
"Had to pause when I read this notice in the Ames Tribune. It did not take long to put Ruth's name to this city's beautiful aquatic center. As developers, the Furman's played a major role in building 100's of houses in Ames. But they will always be remembered for their generous contribution making the aquatic center possible. My thoughts, prayers and thanks to her family during this difficult time. "
"Our family trips to Iowa could never be what they were without a visit with Uncle Don and Aunt Ruth Furman. They were generous with their time,money, and place to make sure we had a GOOD time. Aunt Ruth made sure we made the rounds to other family members in Ames as well. This is why Ames,Iowa holds good memories for me. May the Lord hold you close,Mary, as you and your family start a new chapter in living & loving. Our love, Jim and Anita Erickson "
"My condolences to you Mary, and family. It is never easy losing a loving parent, and we all loved our Aunt Ruth as she would remind me, "I'm your favorite Aunt" and she was. We had many fun visits and she would always listen and give me good advice. I admired her skill of needlework, her commitment to family, church & community she left a wonderful legacy that we all need to continue. "