Ruth Eileen (Wilkins) Spicer was born July 17, 1924, the seventh child to Herman C. Wilkins and Edna C. (Stoltenberg) Wilkins in Hawarden, IA. She graduated from Hawarden High School in 1941. Ruth was united in marriage to Frank E. Spicer on October 17, 1942. Frank and Ruth operated Mercury Cleaners in Conrad for 35 years. Ruth also worked 21 years at Marshalltown Instruments and after retirement, at Oakview Nursing Home. She was a member of the Conrad United Methodist Church. Ruth served on various committees of UMW and helped with many dinners. She was also active in Eastern Star. Ruth was an accomplished seamstress. She loved sewing, quilting, crocheting, gardening, yard work, and bird watching. The birds were always well fed in her yard. Ruth enjoyed bus trips to Alaska, Washington DC, and Boston. She delighted in her grandchildren and great grandchildren, spending many hours entertaining them. Ruth made quilts for all the grandchildren. She will be remembered as always being prepared for extra guests. Cookies and pies were always in the freezer. Ruth never said no to any request for help from family or friends.

Ruth will be missed by two sons: Edward (Kris) Spicer, Jeffrey (Mary) Spicer; daughter-in-law Nancy Sebern; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and one sister. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, in 1988; her son, Ronald; her parents; four brothers, Walter, Lester, Wilmer, and Glen; and two sisters, Harriett and Lucille. The family would like to thank the Oakview staff for the compassionate and loving care Ruth received for eight years and Iowa River Hospice, thank you all for your support.