Ruth Ann Clark

Robert and Sarah. I am very sorry for your loss. I know it is sometimes very hard to realize nothing in this world is permanent. You have my sympathies during this difficult time. Sincerely, Robert Michel

About 70 years ago, Ruth Anne and I found ourselves in the same class at the old brick grade school where the current Methodist Church is now located. It didn’t take us long to figure out we had a lot in common and we were fast friends forever after, participating in the things kids did in those days, from playing with kittens to riding horses on the weekends to getting an ice cream cone at Ole Lundy’s and taking part in a 5th grade school pageant of sorts, where she was one of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” and I was Johannah Spry’s “Heidi”. In High School, living in the country made participation more difficult for me, so I dabbled in this and that while Ruth Anne excelled in Chorus, Band, Majorette, etc. After her wedding, in which I was bride’s maid, she skipped the country to Missouri where her husband was stationed. Separation doesn’t spoil a friendship, but it makes keeping up a little more difficult. When Ruth Anne was back in Lodi and we were both having children, our days were very full. Those were hectic years. Once we got our children raised and off to school, work or marriage, I was planning a trip to North Dakota to visit my daughter, Cherie. Ruth Anne got wind of it and called to ask if I’d like company – and the loan of her mother’s car. Would I ever! We had a marvelous road trip and learned we traveled well together, so that was the first of many trips to North Dakota, also Vermont where my other daughter, Shelagh lives, with many stops and side-trips along the way – and “the way” was never in a straight line. Ruth Anne’s retirement in 2002 gave her more time for travel and she became interested in cruises. That’s not my cup of tea, but she and her friend, Kay, enjoyed a quite number of them together. I wish I had found someone to make an audio tape of us walking through Mt. Peasant Cemetery where many of our mutual relatives are buried, including her grandparents, her mother and her dear aunt Marie Habermann. Often, she would stop at a grave and comment, “I took care of him/her at the Nursing Home”, and a bit of history would follow – now lost. Another of her little known talents was her ability to give wonderful, spontaneous book reports. The students at the rural school where she taught were very fortunate. Most recently, getting together has become more complicated, but we were determined to celebrate our birthdays this fall. It was not to be, but I am thankful for all the good times we did have. Ruth Anne was the most loyal, thoughtful friend a person could have. I will miss her sorely. I have great sympathy for her other friends and relatives in their loss. Patti

I had the chance to assist Ruth Anne a few years ago when I worked for Home Instead Senior Care. I enjoyed my time spent with Ruth Anne and was so sorry to hear of your family's loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Take care~Susan Jensen

Be assured of my prayers for all of you. It was an honor to see Ruth last summer when I came through Lodi. Love you all. May your hearts be held gently by the Lord of Glory and may His peace be yours.