Ruth Catherine (Irwin) Wilson

Ruth Catherine (Irwin) Wilson, 95, longtime resident of Alburnett, died peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, at Manor Care in Cedar Rapids. Funeral services: 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion by the Rev. Dan Peterson. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial: Lafayette Cemetery, rural Alburnett.

Survivors include her daughter, Mary Lou (Larry) Martin of Alburnett, who cared for her during the last several years of her life; a son, Kenneth (Dorothy) Wilson of Columbus, Neb.; daughter-in-law, Carole Wilson of Alburnett; five grandchildren, Scott Martin, Thea (Mark) Dodd, Gina (Paul) Matson, Dawn Wilson, Cherie (Brian White) Wilson-White; 11 great-grandchildren, Ryan and Matt Martin, Dawson and Dylan Dodd, Drew, Alex, and Eric Matson, Zachary and Alexandria Shields, Taylor and Nicholas Wilson-White; and two great-great-grandsons, Michael and Noah Matson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; her son, John Wilson; her grandson, Carl William Wilson; her brother, William Carl Irwin; and a half-sister, Elizabeth Rhinehart.

Ruth was born on April 23, 1917, in rural Alburnett, the daughter of Carl and Mary (Bachman) Irwin. She graduated from Alburnett High School in 1934. Ruth married William “Leonard” Wilson on Aug. 13, 1934, in Chicago. They lived their entire lives together in the Alburnett area. He died in 1975.

Ruth was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She never missed a sporting event or other school event of any of her children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren. She loved basketball, and never missed watching a Hawkeye game. Ruth was an avid card player, a wonderful cook, and loved shopping. She was a charter member of CCC Club. Ruth was a member of the Alburnett Christian Church and the Alburnett Historical Society. She was a staple at the Marion Farmers Market for many years. Ruth was also renowned for her “secret” fudge recipe.

The family extends a special thanks to the staff at Manor Care and the Rev. Dan Peterson for all of their wonderful care of Ruth over the years.

Please sign the online guest book for Ruth at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Published Jan. 30, 2013 in The Gazette