Ruth A. Tice

Ruth Alice Tice, 94, Clear Lake, died Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, at Cedar Health in Charles City, Iowa.

A funeral service for Ruth was held on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with the Reverend Kirk Wilkie officiating.  Burial was in the Clear Lake Cemetery.   

Ruth was born on Feb. 16, 1920, at her farm home seven miles southwest of Volga, S.D., the daughter of William and Lena Heppler.  She was the youngest of eight children.  Ruth graduated from Volga High School.  She worked at the bomber plant in Omaha during World War II where she met her husband, Donald.  They married on Jan. 1, 1945 at Omaha, Neb.  They moved to Clear Lake in late 1947.  She worked as a waitress or fry cook in several restaurants at Clear Lake, then as a bookkeeper for Clear Lake Sand and Gravel, before going to A.C. Nielson Marketing Service in Mason City in 1967, where she worked until retirement in 1985.

Ruth loved her family and her Lord deeply, raising her children in her love for Jesus.  Her life was filled with the joy of spending time with her family, flower gardens, collecting antiques, baking, playing piano, sewing, and crocheting.  She always made people feel welcome in her home, and treated everyone like family.  She was host to many family gatherings, especially the Fourth of July.  She was an excellent cook and loved cooking and baking for her family.  Ruth was very active in Peace Circle at Zion Lutheran Church for many years, and especially enjoyed visiting nursing homes.

Left to cherish her memory are her four children, Lee (Judy) Tice of Elgin, Ill., Dave (Nadine) Tice, of Charles City, Linda (Jerry) Umbaugh of Queen Creek, Ariz., and Sally (Roger) Hoy of Pine City, Minn.; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-great grandchildren; son-in-law, Paul Hernes of Russellville, Ark.; and a brother-in-law, Harvey Tice, of Birmingham, Ala.; as well as many nieces, nephews, and many other extended family members and friends.  

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; parents; brothers and sisters; and beloved daughter, Kathryn Hernes.  

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.