Clark, Ruth E.

Ruth E. Clarke, 87, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Springville, died Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Marion by Rev. Dr. Karen Downey Beals. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include two sons, Danny Clarke of Springville and Gary (Jean) Clarke of Cedar Rapids; a daughter, Carol (Dale) Lassen of Springville; 11 grandchildren, Tammy (Kevin) Mysak, Chris (Tammy) Clarke, Brian (Jan) Clarke, Suzanne (Gregg) Kremer, Kathleen (Mike) Heeren, Kimberly (Steve) Williams, Jill (Mark) Tegeler, Corey (Mandy) Clarke, Ron (Sue) Lassen, Robb (Ann) Lassen, and Robin (Steve) Shelby; 25 great-grandchildren; one great-granddaughter on the way; and a sister, Verlien (George) Rusk of Cedar Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; a daughter-in-law, Margaret Clarke; a sister, Eunice Allan; a brother-in-law, Marvin Allan; and a baby brother who died at birth.

Ruth was born Aug. 29, 1922, the daughter of James Lester and Mabel Queen (Bell) Sigmund in West Chester, Iowa. On Sep. 22, 1938, she married Harold “Jack” Clarke in Cedar Rapids. He died June 10, 1987. Ruth worked at Rockwell Collins for 30 years, retiring in 1982 as a Procedure Writer.

First and foremost, Ruth loved her family and friends. She also enjoyed bingo and trips to the casinos. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Ladies Auxiliary VFW No. 788 of Cedar Rapids and Ladies Auxiliary El Kahir Shrine.

Instead of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Ruth's memory.

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