Ruth Caldwell

Ruth Caldwell, 101, died Monday evening, Dec. 17, 2012, at the Willow Gardens Care Center surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at the Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello, where friends may register after 10 a.m. The Rev. Al Polito will officiate at the services. Interment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.

Surviving are six children, Gerry Decious, Lisbon, Diane Hixson, Marion, Donald Seedorf, Cedar Rapids, Ruth Ann Morrison, Alburnett, Larry Seedorf, Buffalo, N.Y., and Terry Meeks, Milwaukee, Wis.; 22 grandchildren; and many great and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harry; a daughter, Rose Ann Postier; a brother. Everett; and three sisters, Mildred, Mabel and Gertrude.

Ruth Berdina Martha Lambert was born June 26, 1911, at Monticello, Iowa. She was the daughter of Alpha Omega (Francis) and Rosella Thacker Lambert. Ruth graduated from the Monticello Community Schools in 1927. She took Normal Training and taught that fall in a rural school near Monticello. She continued her education at the Cedar Rapids Business College.

Ruth married Clarence Seedorf on April 1, 1936. She was employed at the Canning Factory in Monticello and at the Reliance Shirt Factory in Anamosa. In May 1952, she married Glen Meeks. Ruth then worked at Turner Microphone, Collins Radio and Killborn Paper. Ruth married Harry Caldwell in May 1961, the couple lived in Alburnett and Ruth was a cook at Crest View Acres Care Center and the Marion Cafe. Following Harry’s death in October 1997, Ruth lived with her daughter Ruth Ann until moving to Willow Gardens.

The family would like to thank Willow Gardens Care Center, Hospice of Mercy and all the doctors and staff, especially Stephanie, Tanecca, Pam and Shannon.

Published in The Gazette Dec. 19, 2012.