Ruth Ann Scheufele

Ruth Ann Scheufele

Cedar Rapids

Ruth Ann Scheufele, 71, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022. A memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. Memorial service

1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories.

Ruth is survived by her loving husband, Gary; cherished daughters, Jennifer (Steven) Hill of Cedar Rapids and Jaclyn Ruth Scheufele of Marion; beloved grandchildren, Zachary, Alexander and William Hill; siblings, Richard (Patricia) Jongewaard, William (Lori) Jongewaard and Diana (Jahn) Horgen; and brother-in-law, Michael Grady.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Helen Jongewaard; sister, Narola Grady; nephew, Kyle Grady; mother and father-in-law, Charles and Mary Scheufele; and brother-in-law, Robert Goehl.

Ruth was born July 6, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa, however, she spent most of her growing up years in Wesley, Iowa. At the age of one, Ruth contracted polio, leaving her with a paralyzed leg. Although she struggled with its affects her entire life, she did not let it slow her down, learning how to walk using crutches and a leg brace at the age of 18 months. She married Gary Carl Scheufele, the love of her life, on Nov. 23, 1973, in Des Moines. Ruth and Gary moved several times, living in Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska for Gary’s job before settling in Cedar Rapids in 1986. Ruth worked as a bookkeeper most of her career, retiring from Cottage Grove Place in 2008.

Ruth was a devout Christian and lived her life fully for Jesus. Ruth spent her life sharing her faith with family, friends and complete strangers. Ruth gifted countless Bibles and books to many whom she encountered to spread the word of God. Ruth’s favorite bible verse was numbers 6:24-26 and rather than telling others “Thank you” she would often just joyfully say, “The Lord Bless and Keep You!” She always said she was placed on this earth to first live for Jesus and bring others to Him, and secondly to make others laugh. Ruth loved to bring a smile to all of those around her, even when that meant laughing at some silly thing, she herself, had done.

Ruth loved her family and friends to the fullest, always putting others before herself. She cherished the times she spent with her three grandsons, by whom she was known as Mimi. Ruth’s love of M&M’s led to her grandkids each having their own “color” they were associated with, Zachary (Blue), Alexander (Red), William (Yellow) and of course Mimi being Green.

Ruth was a sports enthusiast and particularly enjoyed watching college football and basketball. While she would cheer on various teams, her true love was with her Iowa Hawkeyes. Ruth learned to enjoy watching the Sunday NASCAR races with Gary, cheering on anyone but Joey Logano.

While we know she is in a much better place, her family will miss her more than words can say and hope to live life by the example she set.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.