Ruth Christine Pape

Ruth Christine Pape

Cedar Rapids

Ruth Christine Pape, 98, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Feb. 22, 2023, at St. Luke’s Hospice in Cedar Rapids.

She was born Jan. 13, 1925, near New Vienna, Iowa, the daughter of George Neuhaus and Eugenia (Sebers) Neuhaus.

Ruth was the oldest of seven children and a trailblazer in her life. She moved to Cedar Rapids in 1947, working for the phone company and later as a waitress at the Roosevelt Hotel. She married Richard Pape on Jan. 27, 1948, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna, Iowa. Ruth and Richard farmed near Walker, Iowa before moving to SW Cedar Rapids in 1953 and joining St. Ludmila’s Parish. Ruth had four children, Susan, Thomas, Steven and Janice. In 1959 she took a job with Square D, where she worked for 17 years. Ruth became a licensed real estate agent, and she and Richard began acquiring and renovating properties in Cedar Rapids. When they both retired in 1981, they began wintering in Harlingen, Texas for the next 38 years. Ruth loved dancing, playing cards, traveling, gardening and spending time with family and friends. She was a person of great Christian faith, values and works.

Richard preceded Ruth in death on March 7, 1994. Ruth would survive him by 29 more years. Ruth had 13 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren and was a family leader to all.

Her visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 27, at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel. Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Feb. 28, at St. Jude Catholic Church. Interment at St. John's Cemetery, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids.

Online condolences are welcome at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.