Gerber, Ruth I.

Ruth I. Gerber, 84, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, April 13, 2013, surrounded by her family at St. Luke's Hospital following a sudden illness. Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. James United Methodist Church by the Rev. Beth Harbaugh. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family Tuesday between 4 and 7 p.m. at Teahen Funeral Home and Wednesday after 9:30 a.m. at the church.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Allison Gerber (Robert Boggs) of Springville, Rhonda (Randy) Frey, and Jo (Kurt) Durscher; one son, Robert Gerber of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Edith Suchamel; many nieces and nephews; and numerous friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Donald (2007); two brothers, Marshall and Donald Cook; four half brothers, Vernon, Earl, Ralph and Harold Cook; and half sister, Bessie Wood, and their spouses.

Ruth Ilene was born Oct. 24, 1928, in Center Point, Iowa, the daughter of Michael Sylvester and Rhoda (Hagerman) Cook. She married Donald Charles Gerber on April 17, 1948, in Toddville, Iowa. She worked as a media secretary for 20 years in the Cedar Rapids Public Schools.

Ruth was a member of St. James United Methodist Church and Sokol Cedar Rapids. She loved to play cards with Jean Varek and her sisters, enjoyed getting together with the Peoples Bank Group and Jackson School girls, and for 16 years being able to travel south for the winters. Ruth was an avid Hawkeye and Cardinals fan and loved attending all of the grandchildren's activities.

She will be greatly missed by all.

Memorials may be directed to St. James United Methodist Church or Camp Courageous.

Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.

Published April 15, 2013 in The Gazette