ANGUS, Ethel "Ruth" (MOFFATT)

HOLLOWAY, MOFFATT, STILL, BANE, POLLOCK, WOLFE, TAYLOR, THORNTON, DUGAN

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 4/14/2018 at 00:51:00

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, April 04, 2018

OBITUARY ~ ETHEL "RUTH" (MOFFATT) ANGUS
January 08, 1916 ~ March 30, 2018

Ethel Ruth Moffatt Angus was born January 8, 1916, the first child of Alex Grant and Elsie Rose (Holloway) Moffatt south of Mount Ayr, IA. She entered into eternal rest on March 30, 2018 at the Mount Ayr Health Care Center eager to meet her Savior Jesus Christ.

Ruth grew up on the Moffatt farm south of Mount Ayr. Joining her were Esther Louise, Edith Rose, and George Lewis Moffatt, all of whom have predeceased her. Ruth was a 1934 graduate of Mount Ayr High School and 1940 graduate of Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS.

Ruth taught high school at Strahan, IA, where she met William Lloyd Angus. They were married on October 3, 1943. They lived at Strahan until 1949, moved to rural Mount Ayr, and in 1982 moved to an apartment in town. Lloyd and Ruth were the parents of four children: Marie Louise, Doris Jean, Helen Elaine, and Warren Lewis. They had 51 years together before Lloyd’s passing on November 27, 1994. As a life-long member of the First Baptist Church (now United Baptist-Presbyterian Church), serving God was a top priority for Ruth. For many years she taught Sunday School, Bible studies, Church Day Camp, and was active in local and state levels of Baptist women’s work. After moving to the nursing home, she taught Sunday School there. She always had encouraging words to give and was a positive influence on many people.

Ruth also influenced young people through 4-H as she was a long-time leader for the Clover Belles 4-H club. In 2017 she was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame at the Iowa State Fair. Ruth was involved in many organizations including the Ringgold County Historical Society, AAUW, Eastern Star, PTA, Band Boosters, and Farm Bureau Women. Ruth also contributed to the community in many volunteer capacities including the hospital, nursing home, and school. Entering items at the Ringgold County Fair was a special joy. In 1978 Ruth was named an Iowa Master Farm Homemaker. In 1966 Ruth returned to the teaching profession in the Special Education Department. She attended college at Maryville, MO, to learn about an entirely new phase of education. Again she had a positive impact on many students. She was honored by AEA 14 as “Teacher of the Year.” She even learned Braille so she could help a blind student, going above and beyond to give all she could for the benefit of the youngsters. Ruth retired in 1980.

Following retirement, Lloyd and Ruth bought a camper and enjoyed traveling, finally choosing to winter in Mesa, AZ for many years. Following Lloyd’s passing, she went with tour groups and reached their goal of seeing the capitals of all 50 states. Family gatherings were extremely important, especially the 2007 reunion when she enjoyed a hot air balloon ride at age 91! Ruth devoted more time to her arts after retirement. She made quilts, quilted pictures, hand-made Christmas ornaments, and other gifts. Ruth also created many oil paintings. Her writings over the years included church plays, poems, stories, family history books, and a book about her childhood memories.

Ruth moved to Mount Ayr Health Care Center in 2012 and was happy to participate in the many activities there. She was thankful for the good staff and great care she received in this facility.

Left with great memories are her four children: Marie and David Still of Mount Ayr, Doris and Roy Bane of Laramie, WY, Helen and Tom Pollock of Malvern, IA, and Warren and Betty Angus of Mount Ayr. Grandchildren: Lynelle and Joe Wolfe of Hurst, TX, Bill and Cathy Pollock of Pella, IA, Kari and Joshua Taylor of Tarkio, MO, Melanie and Luke Thornton of Las Vegas, NV, Dan and Stephanie Pollock of Emerson, IA, Nina and Dennis Dugan of Mount Ayr, Jeff and Melissa Pollock of Treynor, IA, Lucas and Amanda Angus of Mount Ayr, and Jen and Amie Angus of North Liberty, IA. There are 18 great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and five step-greats, one sister-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and countless other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr on Sunday, April 8 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family present Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 9 at the United Baptist Presbyterian Church in Mount Ayr with Pastor Mike Maddy and Rev. Carmen Lampe Zeitler officiating. Music will be provided by Nancy Sackett and Deb Larson. Casketbearers are Bill Pollock, Dan Pollock, Jeff Pollock, Lucas Angus, Dennis Dugan, Joshua Taylor, Joe Wolfe, and Luke Thornton. Burial is in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Memorials are to United Baptist Presbyterian Church, Ringgold County Historical Society, and the Mount Ayr Education Foundation.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, April of 2018

Ringgold Obituaries maintained by Tony Mercer.
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