Ruth Ann Zimmerman (1929-2017)

ZIMMERMAN, FLORA, HEDRICK

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 2/2/2018 at 13:39:20

Ruth Ann Zimmerman, 87, of Maquoketa, IA passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family Saturday evening, June 24th, 2017.

Her life will be celebrated July 8, with visitation from 9:30 to 11:15 A.M. followed by an 11:30 service, at First United Methodist Church,1019 Wesley Street in Maquoketa, where Ruth Ann was a longtime active member.

Ruth Ann was born December 19,1929, to Benjamin Flora and Grace Flora (Hedrick) in St. Louis, MO. She spent her childhood in nearby Brentwood, MO with her older siblings, William (who recently passed away) and Margaret. She graduated from Brentwood High School in June of 1947.

The popular cheerleader and prom queen met the love of her life, Dwight Zimmerman, while visiting her mother in Menahga, MN the following summer. Dwight was a 21 year old World War II veteran and Ruth Ann liked that he seemed older.

Ruth Ann returned to St. Louis in the fall and Dwight soon followed on a train for a visit. He showed up with a jar full of baby bullheads, a favorite of Ruth Ann's, and the intention of making her his wife. She returned to Menahga where they married in Dwight's parent's home December 19, 1947, Ruth Ann's 18th birthday.

Their marriage lasted 35 years until Dwight's passing in 1982. Their time together was filled with many adventures. Tragically they lost their first child, Steven Earl, two days after his birth. Soon after, Dwight left to serve in the Korean War. After returning, Dwight earned an education degree and their life began in earnest. They put down roots in Maquoketa but traveled often and spent summers in Menahga. Along the way, they welcomed sons Scott, Dana, Jeffrey and a daughter, Jill.

At 38, Ruth Ann returned to school and graduated in three years with a four year degree in Special Education from the University of Dubuque. She taught at Maquoketa High School for 23 years. She was also involved with the Maquoketa Education Association, Beta Sigma Phi, PEO International and was a lifelong member of the National Education Association of the United States.

Ruth Ann retired in 1994. She split time between homes in Maquoketa, Bradenton, FL and Menahga.

She loved swimming, walking, reading, fishing, spending time at the beach and traveling including to celebrate any family event. She was an avid sports fan, especially when it came to her beloved St. Louis Cardinals. She sought out a bridge game whenever possible and scheduled plans around Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. She was a gifted conversationalist with a razor sharp wit and excellent memory. Those skills shined through especially when spending time with friends and, most of all, her family. She lived with a deep faith in Jesus Christ, read her Bible daily and belonged to churches in each state she resided. She looked forward to her eternal life and said she had a lot of people to see.

She will be remembered dearly and missed by many. They include her sister, Margaret Micka of Bradenton, FL; her children Philip Scott Zimmerman (Barbara Hohmann) of Maquoketa; Dana Keith Zimmerman (Mary) of Ames, IA; Jeffrey Dwight Zimmerman of Maquoketa; and Jill Louise Osterhaus (Dan Mortenson) of Eagan, MN; sister-in-law Carol Larsen (Al) of CO; as well as 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorials preferred in lieu of other expressions of sympathy and will support Ruth Ann's favorite charities.