Whetstone, Ruth

RUTH MARIE WHETSTONE

Hiawatha

Ruth Marie Chambers Whetstone, 84, of Hiawatha, passed away Dec. 19, 2013, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy.

Ruth was born to Floyd and Nellie Chambers in rural Adair County, Iowa, on May 17, 1929. After graduating from Casey High School in 1947, she attended business school in Des Moines, and then served as clerk and bookkeeper at a Menlo, Iowa, bank.

Ruth married Marvin David Whetstone in 1949 and they farmed near Casey, Iowa. The family moved to another farm at the edge of Stuart, Iowa, in 1962. Ruth continued to work as a bookkeeper for local area businesses, including Kirlin Auto Co. in Greenfield, and Wilson Farm Equipment in Stuart. In addition to raising a family and working full time, Ruth was involved in many church, school, and community activities during her years in Casey and Stuart.

Upon moving to Cedar Rapids in 1972, Ruth worked for Guaranty Bank, Paris Academy Beauty School and later, Life Investors (n/k/a AEGON), an international insurance and financial services company. Although

officially retired from AEGON, Ruth continued to work for the securities department as a contractor until the late 1990s.

One of her close AEGON friends fondly recalls Ruth as being able to find humor even in trying or unusual situations (e.g., getting lost on a trip and finding herself face to face with a Jolly Green Giant statue), always having a sparkle in her eye, and keenly observing every moment, emotion and detail of her surroundings. As a master storyteller, those who knew her

eagerly awaited their next adventure.

Ruth was the oldest of five children, followed by Maxine, Norma Jean and Jack (all deceased), and her youngest brother, Bruce Chambers (of Cedar Rapids). She is survived by her children, Dan Whetstone (Toddville), Bruce Whetstone (San Jose, Calif.) and Meleah Whetstone (Tucson, Ariz.), and her grandchildren, including Dan's children, Lauren, Leanne and Ross (of Palm Beach County, Fla.), and Meleah's children, Devin and Logan.

During her final days, Ruth repeatedly expressed satisfaction in having lived a full and complete life, and, in relation to many accomplishments, expressed that her greatest success was that she raised fine children.

A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 20, at 5 p.m. at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW, with Pastor Becky High

officiating.

Online condolences may be expressed to

www.broshchapel.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ruth's name to House of Hope (Cedar Rapids), Campus Crusade for Christ or Heart of God International.

As a special tribute, Ruth's family welcomes you to share your favorite Ruth Whetstone stories

after the memorial service.