Ruth Ann Davidson, age 99, of Glidden, IA, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Gracewell Nursing Home in Denison surrounded by her family.
Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Peace Lutheran Church in Glidden with Pastor Alan Miller officiating. Music for the service will be by Becky Miller and Carl Wilburn. Casket bearers will be Barney Wilson, Brad Davidson, Ryan Boettger, Caleb Suentjens, Carson Suentjens, Charlie Brasel, and Brandon Donegan. Burial will be in the Merle Hay Memorial Cemetery near Glidden.
Visitation will be held at Peace Lutheran Church in Glidden on Wednesday morning from 9:30 A.M. – 10-10:45 A.M. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Peace Lutheran Church – LWML in Ruth’s name.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Glidden and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com
Ruth was born April 29, 1924 to Fred and Irene (Buss) Lamaak in Herring, Iowa. Ruth was baptized by Reverend Park in Carroll on June 13, 1924 and was later confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake on June 30, 1940. She attended country school until eighth grade. As a young girl, Ruth was unable to continue her education but started to work as a “hired girl” for a neighboring farm family. She met Elby while working at a cafe in Carroll and they were married on August 2, 1942 at the Presbyterian Manse in Glidden. Shortly after, Elby was deployed and Ruth followed him to Laromi, Wyoming. After the war, Ruth and Elby bought a house and settled in Glidden. There they welcomed four children; Virgene, Susan, Larry, and Bruce. They celebrated 61 years of marriage before Elby passed away on July 1, 2004. Ruth was a devoted member of Peace Lutheran Church in Glidden. She was active in Ladies Aid, Bible School, and was part of a sewing club for World Relief. Ruth could often be found helping with Vacation Bible School in addition to helping with any events hosted at the church. Ruth worked at Boomsmas Egg Factory for over 25 years, choosing her place of employment so she could be close to home, always available to prepare lunch and supper. Outside of work you could find Ruth and Elby fishing or playing cards with friends. For many years they participated in a Sunday night Supper Club. After retirement, the couple enjoyed traveling around the country. Ruth also volunteered at New Hope and New Opportunities in Carroll. She discovered a love for dancing after Elby’s passing. To know Ruth was to know that there was nothing more important to her than faith, family, and friends. While small in size, the Davidson house was filled with love and was considered home to many throughout the years. A warm meal and a hug were never far to be found when walking through the back door. Ruth’s faith would also meet you at the backdoor, making a baptism happen for those that had not yet received God’s blessing. Ruth, although always on the go, made time for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Anyone lucky enough to call her Grandma or Great Nee Nee knew they were loved unconditionally. Ruth, being raised during trying times and starting her married life during a war, was known for finding those she loved “treasures”, making a large feast out of nothing, finding the good in everything, and never throwing anything away. Her motto was “All they need is love.”
Ruth is preceded in death by her parents; her mother and father-in-law; her husband Elby; her daughter, Virgene Wison; her son, Larry Davidson; her son-in law, Jack Wilson; her grandson, Mark Wilson; two sisters, Iva Jean Lamaak and Nacy Schwaller; one brother, Freddy Lamaak; one sister-in-law, Marian Lamaak, and three brothers-in-law, Lloyd Albrecht, Lamont Hilsabeck, and Robert Schwaller.
She is survived by her daughter Susan (Roger) Boettger of Dow City, son Bruce (Michelle) Davidson of Carroll, 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, sister Betty Albrecht of Fort Dodge, and sister Shirley Rank of Glidden.
