Ruth Wellendorf

Ruth Anna Wellendorf was born July 17, 1919, the daughter of William and Louise Semlor Kelm. She passed away Saturday, December 25, 2010, at the Morningside Rehab and Care Center in Ida Grove, Iowa, at the age of 91.
Ruth was born in rural Charter Oak, Iowa. She was baptized in Christ on August 10, 1919 and confirmed on April 9, 1933 by Pastor Carl Runge, both at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hanover Township, Charter Oak. On March 22, 1939, Ruth was united in marriage to Harvey Wellendorf at United Church of Christ in Schleswig, Iowa by Pastor A. F. Rinne. The couple made their home in rural Ida County and was blessed with four children. In 1980, the couple retired in Schleswig where Ruth continued to be an active member of the Womens Guild at the United Church of Christ.
Ruth loved to stay active and keep her hands busy. She had an impeccable green thumb which was demonstrated with her immaculate flower and vegetable gardens. Her desire for perfection was also evident in her cooking. She had a knack for cooking delicious, hot and on time meals and loved to talk about what was on the menu. Food was very important to her and it had to be done just so or a new batch was prepared. In her leisure time she enjoyed reading, watching Larry King, and keeping up on current events and politics. Her family was also very important to her and she loved to go to her grandchildrens concerts. She also enjoyed fishing at Lake View, driving, and playing cards with her card club and euchre at the golf course. With all of the activities and hands on work Ruth still managed to always look nice and took care of herself very well.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Harvey; one son, Bruce ; one son-in-law, Kenneth; one step-brother Jack and his wife, Gertrude; one step-sister Vi and her husband, Red. Survivors include two sons: Dale and his wife, Sharon; and Brian and his wife, Tina; one daughter, Arlene; six granddaughters: Natalie Pamela, Ashely, Robi, Trina; Debra, who also died on Christmas day just a few hours after Ruth; and one grandson, Shane; nine great_grandchildren: Brandi, Brett, Derek, Morgan, Hunter, Brandon, Reznor, Hannah and Abby; one great_great-granddaughter, Adrian; and one stepbrother, Chet and his wife Clarabell; many other relatives and friends.