Skelley, Ruth Hale

Ruth Hale Skelley

Ruth Hale Skelley, 74, died early April 10, 2013, at home following a short illness. Her 74 years of life contain an epic journey, and as such, each great story must come to its conclusion. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 2675 E. Washington St., Iowa City, on Tuesday, April 16. Visitation will be Monday, April 15, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Lensing Funeral Home, 605 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City. Family burial will be before Ruth's Celebration of Life.

Ruth was born Oct. 1, 1938, to Naomi Musser Hale and Dr. Edward Everett Hale in Iowa City, Iowa. She was the second of five children: Janet, Ruth, Edward II, Mae and James.She graduated from West Liberty High School in 1956.

Ruth graduated from the State University of Iowa, with a degree in mathematics in 1960. While attending school she met her future husband, James Alan Skelley. They were wed in 1959 in West Liberty, Iowa.After graduation Ruth and Al lived in West Liberty while she taught math at the high school. They had their first child, Christine, in 1961. After several years, the family moved to Iowa City.

In 1967, their second child, Andrew Earl, was born. During these years Ruth left teaching and began working with HACAP and the United Way of Johnson County, helping to organize the Christmas Clearinghouse. She also spent time serving and leading the Volunteer Service Bureau and Ecumenical Celebrations. Ruth and others helped in the formation of Iowa City Hospice, whose generous and kind care returned to aid and support her and her family in their hour of need. As her children aged she took part in education once again as a member of the PTA, and, eventually, was elected a member of the Iowa City school board.

Ruth had an interest in real estate and began as an agent at Hoffman-Waters Realtors in the ‘70s. Her drive in this field ultimately led to becoming a broker and part owner of a real estate business and the honor of being named 1997 Realtor of the Year. It was also during these years that she was a member of the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce, contributed her time and expertise toward student-built homes, served on the board of the Mary O. Coldren Home, and helped start and nurture Habitat for Humanity.

When Ruth finally retired in the late ‘90s, she found satisfaction and joy working with hot glass. She did this for over a decade gifting many of her pieces to causes she supported. She also found great pleasure working in her yard and watching wild life.

Ruth made lifelong friends from her endeavors and membership in various groups, such as Mortar Board, Johnson County Republican Women, and the fellowship of St. Marks United Methodist Church.

She had great adventures over the years from trips to the Iowa Girls State Basketball tournament with her team in high school, to a student trip to New York City to see the UN, the Automat and a Broadway show, her honeymoon drive out in the wild West, to yearly family vacations showing their children this great nation. Ruth and Al traveled to far corners of the state and country visiting friends and relatives.

She is survived by her husband, Al; a daughter, Christine Weber (Greg), and their children, Liz, Lauren and Max, a son, Andy; two sisters, Janet Smith and Mae Collins (Bob); a brother, Jim Hale; two sisters-in-law, Janice Hale and Cindy Phair(Craig); aunt, Jean Stock; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Ed; and her brother-in-law, Gary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Iowa City Hospice, The Visiting Nurses Association, The Shelter House, or to Camp Courageous.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lensingfuneral.com.

Published April 13, 2013 in The Gazette