Ruth Ann Petersen

Ruth Ann Petersen, the daughter of Frank and Ruth (Rendleman) Herrick, was born February 27, 1931, at her parent’s home near Exira, Iowa and died November 17, 2015, at the Exira Care Center in Exira, Iowa at the age of 84 years, 8 months, and 20 days.
Ruth was baptized as an infant then was born again in August of 1972 and baptized on September 3, 1978, at the Faith Fellowship Church in Audubon, Iowa. She attended Exira Community Schools graduating with the High School Class of 1949. She then attended the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa for 2 years.
On July 13, 1952, she was united in marriage to James L. Petersen at her parents’ home in Exira. They were blessed with three sons, David, Jon, and Paul. When they were first married, James was serving in the U.S. Army and they lived in Tennessee where he was stationed. James was honorably discharged and they returned to Exira and helped operate the family farm which they later purchased. They grew row crops and raised livestock for many years. During this time Ruth was a home maker and helped James with the farm work. James died September 28, 1982. Ruth lived on the farm for a few years then moved into Exira. She was employed at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon, Iowa in the laundry department until she retired. Ruth enjoyed living at home and later moved to the Exira Care Center in July of 2015.
Ruth was a member of the Federated United Church of Christ in Exira. She enjoyed being with her family especially her grandchildren. Most important to her was her relationship with God and her strong Christian faith.
Preceding her in death were her husband James L. Petersen; her sons David Petersen and Paul Petersen, her sister Carol Tookey and her brothers-in-law Nels Petersen and Leo and his wife Evelyn Petersen.
Survivors include her son Jon Petersen and his wife Katie Organ of Riverside, Iowa; her daughter-in-law Laurie Petersen of Exira, Iowa; her grandchildren Ryan and wife Amy Petersen of Chicago, Illinois and their children Luke and Abbey, Aaron Petersen and his partner Melissa Jacobsen and his daughter Laney, Nicholas and wife Janell Petersen of Omaha, Nebraska and their son Hudson and daughter Hazel Lillian Marie, Benjamin and wife Vera Petersen of Omaha, Nebraska, and Joel and wife Faith Petersen of Treynor, Iowa and their daughters Mae and Penelope; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be conducted by Reverend Clint Francisco on Friday, November 20, 2015, at 10:30 A.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa. Interment will be in the St John’s Lutheran Cemetery west of Exira, Iowa. The casket bearers will be Ryan Petersen, Aaron Petersen, Nicholas Petersen, Benjamin Petersen, Joel Petersen, and Dean Petersen.