Ruth Ethel (Woodin) Walsh

Ruth Ethel Walsh, beloved Mother and devoted Grandmother, passed on November 26, 2023 at Friendship Haven, Fort Dodge, IA. She left us while sleeping peacefully at the age of 87, with family by her side.

Born Ruth E. Woodin to Truman and Luverne on October 28, 1936, in Storm Lake, IA. Ruth was a dedicated student and graduated from Ware High School in 1955 and received her diplomas in Clinical Laboratory Technique and later would be certified as a medical assistant.

She was married to the late Camillus (Kelly) Walsh in 1957 and they lived together in rural Gilmore City. Ruth is survived by her three daughters, Diane Walsh, of Philadelphia, PA; Kathleen Walsh (Frank Hoffstadt), San Diego, CA and Mary Walsh (Casey Brodsack) Des Moines, IA. She is also survived by granddaughter Kelila Rotto, of Bethesda, MD.

Ruth was predeceased by her loving husband in 1989 and by her only son Steven Walsh in 2016.

Later in life, Ruth found a passion for discovering the genealogy of her family as well as helping others on the same path. She journeyed across the state to court houses, historical societies, and cemeteries in her quest to complete the family tree. She was a member of the genealogy society in Pocahontas, IA and travelled far and wide on her journey to find her family and the family of others.

Her loved ones invite friends to share their memories of Ruth during visitation at the Larson-Weishaar Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, beginning with a Rosary Service at 3:30 p.m. with visitation from 4:00-7:00 pm.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 1076 8th Street Manson on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. with Father Lynn Bruch officiating. Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Lizard Township, Clare, IA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The American Heart Association in Ruth’s name.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth Ethel (Woodin) Walsh, please visit our floral store.