Klehfoth, Ruth Lucille (Roberts)

Ruth Lucille (Roberts) Klehfoth died Friday, May 25, 2012.

The daughter of Benjamin C. and Florence Mae (Hefner) Roberts, Ruth was born April 8, 1922, in Monticello, Iowa. She graduated from Monticello High School in 1940 and from the University of Iowa in 1945, with a degree in education. She moved to California and taught English but after a year returned to Iowa and taught English in various communities, including Muscatine and Cedar Rapids at Franklin Junior High School.

She married Warren G. Klehfoth on June 16, 1962, at the Congregational Church in Monticello. Ruth and Warren made their home in Cedar Rapids, where Warren was an engineer at Rockwell Collins. Ruth retired from teaching to become a homemaker where she could focus her energy on raising a family. Ruth and Warren enjoyed 45 years of marriage before Warren passed away July 30, 2007.

All who knew her will miss Ruth's kindness, generous heart, and positive outlook. In addition to being a devoted wife, Ruth was a loving sister to Benjamin H. Roberts; a caring and loving mother of two children (Steven and Mary); proud aunt and great-aunt to several nieces and nephews; and wonderful grandmother to granddaughters, Rachel and Shannon, each the apple of her eye.

Ruth always enjoyed a good laugh and treasured her time with friends and family. Her hobbies included golf, traveling, reading, card playing, and music.

While a child Ruth played the clarinet. She developed lifelong friendships through Camp Fire Girls and fondly spoke of those memories. She actively participated in organizations such as PEO, where she was past president and a 50-year member.

Over the years Ruth was very active in her church serving on the Church Council and other committees. Ruth's faith in the Lord sustained her throughout her life.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Warren; brother, Ben; niece, Sheri Lamb; nephew, John Roberts; as well as other relatives, including sister-in-law, Marjorie Roberts.

She is survived by children, Steven and Mary Hayes (Gary); sister-in-law, Shirley (Terry) Lamb; granddaughters, Rachel and Shannon Hayes; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church (Cedar Rapids) and Camp Courageous of Iowa, 12007 190th St., Monticello, IA 52310.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids at 11 a.m. on June 9.

Online condolences may be directed to www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.

Published May 27, 2012 in The Gazette