Ruth Marian “RuthAnn” Kendall

Ruth Marian “RuthAnn” Kendall

Cedar Rapids

Ruth Marian “RuthAnn” Kendall, age 101 of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Meth-Wick where she was a recent resident. Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 am on Wednesday, December 31 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, with Father Seda officiating. Visitation from 9:00 am - 10:20 am, prior to St. Pius’ Mass. Later, a private family committal service will be at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Born on March 5, 1924, in Burlington, Iowa, to George and Leona (Schierbrock) Schaffer, RuthAnn graduated from West Point, Iowa’s St. Mary’s High School. She enrolled in Ottumwa Heights College where her only sibling, Lucille Schaffer attended. At age 19, RuthAnn moved to Chicago on her own where she worked various office jobs. She loved life in the big city and fondly recalled evenings riding the downtown train to the famed Aragon Ballroom on Lawrence Avenue. She often reminisced about learning to sail on Lake Michigan and shopping at Marshall Field’s. In 1947, RuthAnn enrolled at Marycrest College in Davenport where she met her future husband, Richard Kendall. Married on October 17, 1948, they had five children; Larry, Kate, Jim, Tom and Mary, and made their home in Fairfax.

Taking a class at a time, she graduated in 1969 from the University of Iowa, earning her Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degree. From 1969-1985, RuthAnn was employed as a Prairie Elementary Teacher with College Community Schools. In 1979, RuthAnn was united in marriage to Gordon Mollman. She continued her education and in 1985 earned her Master's Degree from The University of Iowa in Counseling and Human Development.

Upon her retirement from Prairie, RuthAnn worked several years as a Kirkwood Community College Adult Education Counselor. A lifelong champion of children, RuthAnn was awarded a Permanent Professional Iowa Teacher's Certificate in recognition of her years of service. A 1995 recipient of the distinguished Governor’s Volunteer Award, she represented and advocated for the needs of neglected or abused children as their Court Appointed Special Advocate Volunteer (CASA) for the Sixth Judicial District. A Charter Member of the West Point Daughters of Isabella and the Golden K Kiwanis Club, she was also a lifetime member of the National Education Association. RuthAnn was actively engaged, whether it was her job, community or volunteering. She enjoyed helping others and organizing family gatherings.

A proud Catholic servant, RuthAnn impacted the lives of children and adults. She was a devoted teacher who worked tirelessly to ensure each child learned to read. She would say, “If a child can learn to read, the world is open to them.” She loved parties. As a child, “Ruthie” would organize her own birthday parties (without telling her mother). Recently on December 20, she enjoyed the family holiday gathering, and looking around she smiled and said, “No one is in prison, no one is on drugs and everyone is working.”

Left to honor her memory are her five children, Larry (Jeanette) Kendall, Kate Kendall of Cedar Rapids, Jim (Cindy) Kendall of Lisbon, Tom (Patty) Kendall of Cedar Rapids, and Mary (Charlie) Gudenkauf of Swisher; seven grandchildren, Scott (Kelli) Kendall, Lani (Eddie) Pettus, Natalie (Tyler Smith) Reed, Claire (Chris) Kloos, Jade (Tim) Fisher, Malia, Grace (Brandt) Moore, and 11 great-grandchildren; Lillian, Brock, Finn, Isabel, Kerrigan, Emilia, Edward, Hinley, Jack, Noa and Laney.

Thank you to Essence of Life Hospice and MethWick Staff Care-Givers, and to Grand Living and Keystone Staff, where she enjoyed her independent living. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in RuthAnn's memory to St. Pius X Catholic Church, or a favorite charity of choice.

Please share a memory of RuthAnn at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.