Ruth Janssen

Ruth Janssen, 89, of Grundy Center, IA passed away peacefully on the evening of Thursday, November 25, 2021 at the Grundy Care Center with her loving family by her side.

Funeral services for Ruth will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at Abels Funeral Home- Engelkes Chapel in Grundy Center, IA with Pastor Steve Mulder officiating.  Following services, Ruth will be laid to rest at the West Friesland Cemetery, rural Ackley.  Public visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 29, 2021 at Abels Funeral Home – Engelkes Chapel in Grundy Center, IA.  Memorial contributions may be directed in Ruth’s name to her family which will be later designated elsewhere.  For further information or to leave a condolence please visit www.abelsfuneralhomes.com.  Abels Funeral Home – Engelkes Chapel is caring for Ruth and her family.

Ruth Riebkes was born on September 27, 1932 in Grundy County, the daughter of Bert and Nancy Janssen Riebkes.  She was raised and educated around the Grundy county school district where she attended a Country schoolhouse up through the 8th grade.  On March 4th, 1956 Ruth was united in marriage to the love of her life, Marvin Janssen at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. From this union three children were born: Keith, Sharon and Lisa.

Ruth was a hardworking woman dedicating her life to raising her children and taking care of the family home. She also worked for over 20 years at the Ackley Presbyterian Village nursing home in the housekeeping department. Ruth was a proud member of the Cornerstone Presbyterian church. Ruth enjoyed all sorts of music, but her favorite was Polka music and even up to her final days she enjoyed hearing the sound of the instruments being played at the Care Center. She also enjoyed following sports of all kinds, spending time with family and friends but her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the ones who gave Ruth pure Joy. She loved all of the kids with all of her heart and was so proud of them all.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Keith Janssen of Cedar Falls, Sharon (Dean) Werkman of Waverly and Lisa (Ryan) Bakker of Steamboat Rock; grandchildren: Clayton (Libbey) Werkman of Ankeny, Collin Werkman of Hiawatha, Trevor Bakker, Haley Bakker and Morgan Bakker all of Steamboat Rock; great-grandchildren: Xander and Hudson Werkman; one sister: Judy (Paul) Launderville of Denison as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Marvin Janssen; parents: Bert and Nancy Riebkes; and two sisters: Angeline and Kathleen.