Balster, Ruth Maxine

Ruth Maxine Balster, 87, a resident of Northbrook Manor in Cedar Rapids, died there Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, following a brief illness. Funeral Services: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion. The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, at the funeral home. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Ruth is survived by her son, Dan Balster of Marion; her niece, Patti Schaeffer of Anamosa; her brother, Darrell (Doris) West of Onslow; her sister, Velma Schroeder of Maquoketa; her brother-in-law, Don (Boo) Balster of Marion; her sister-in-law, Joanne Allendar of Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Verne; her son, Donald; four brothers and three sisters.

Ruth was born May 16, 1926, in Martelle, the daughter of Roy and Ruth (Tharp) West. She graduated from Onslow High School. On Jan. 7, 1950, she was united in marriage to Verne L. Balster in Marion.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marion. Ruth enjoyed golfing, shopping, her yearly trips to Florida and going out to eat.

Ruth devoted her life to caring for her husband.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association of East Central Iowa at: 317 Seventh Ave. SE, Suite 402, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.

Please sign the online guest book for Ruth at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Published Sept. 22, 2013 in The Gazette