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Ruth L. Humphrey, 97, of Fort Dodge, passed away on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home in Fort Dodge.
Funeral services will be 1:00 PM on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at the Gunderson Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in West Lawn Cemetery in Lehigh, Iowa. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Thursday at the Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Fort Dodge.
Ruth Lois Hilsabeck, daughter of James and Charlotte (Devereaux) "Jim and Lottie" Hilsabeck, was born November 19, 1925, near Boone, Iowa. Ruth Hilsabeck grew up in Johnston Clayworks and graduated from Otho High School. She was united in marriage to Richard Humphrey at the Otho Methodist Church on June 19, 1949. She worked as a secretary for many years and became a stay-at-home mother after the birth of her daughters. In 1961, the family moved to a larger home where their two daughters were raised and it remained the family home for forty-seven years. Friends and extended family members would often spend a day or a week with them. Many holiday gatherings and family times were also enjoyed there. Ruth and Richard served as foster parents to several younger children during those years.
Ruth was an active member of Epworth United Methodist Church, having served as treasurer, secretary to the Administrative Board, and on the Education Ministry as well as other areas. She especially enjoyed the more than thirty years she worked in Sunday School and wrote of that, "I have had a special love and concern for the children of the church; to see them come to Sunday School with such trust and eagerness put an awesome responsibility on those of us who served as teachers and mentors to them. Jesus suggested that a child-like faith is a worthy goal."
Also writing, "I have been humbled by God's goodness to me throughout my life. I have always been surrounded by kindness and love, making it easy for me to look back through the years with a heart full of gratitude. My church, other friends, and family members, and especially my daughters and their families have made life a beautiful journey for me."
Ruth enjoyed writing poetry and prose based on favorite Scriptures or other moments that had touched her heart. For almost twenty years a group of friends met at her home each week for a time of study and prayer.
Ruth is survived by her children, Alicia and Rocky Porter, Marcia and Craig Finlayson; grandchildren, Jason and Jamie Porter and Gage Porter; great grandsons, Tucker, Tate, Ty, and Thomas Porter; nephews, John, and Mike Hilsabeck and their families.
She is preceded in death by her parents and Richard's parents; her husband Richard on April 28, 2008; dearly loved brother and sister-in-law Duane and Anne Hilsabeck, and nephew Jim Hilsabeck.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.