Ruth T Shirk

Ruth was born May 18, 1922 in Des Moines to Audra (Bowers) and Earl Towers. She lived in Marion,Des Moines, Norwalk, and finally, at The Lodge of Ashworth in West Des Moines with her husband Jerry, celebrating 75 years of marriage before his death in 2016. A long-time duplicate bridge player, Ruth loved activities at the Lodge such as bridge, mahjong, pool, and singing in the Lodge chorus. Ruth's 2nd career was her dedication to nursing, working both in hospital emergency rooms as well as in the office of Drs. Jim Bell and Paul Holzworth. Her first career was caring for her family, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a blessing in her life.

Ruth is survived by her loving family including sons Darrell (Dianne) Shirk of Gravois Mills, MO, Ron (Karen) Shirk of Salisbury , NC (formerly of Des Moines), Larry (Linda) Shirk of rural Norwalk, IA, and daughter Lori Shirk of Indianola, IA; eight grandchildren, Brett (Ruth) Shirk of Springfield, MO, Darci (Dan) Frahm of Davidson, NC, Sam (Erica) Shirk of Valdez, AK, Megan (Justin) Fisk of Washington D.C., Sarah Roe of Libertyville, IL, Jeremiah (Mary) Shirk of Wheaton, IL, Kate (John) Schofield of Salisbury, NC (formerly of Des Moines), Caitlyn (Abraham) Violett of Kansas City, MO.

Ruth is survived by 20 great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Eliana, and Sofia Frahm; Blake,Grant, Ann, McAllister, and Bear Schofield; River Iannaccone; Piers Shirk; Matthew, Alex, Brady, and Mason Roe; Thomas and Ethan Smith; Noah and Mary Kennedy Shirk; Emma and Ellen Violett.

Ruth was preceded in death by her loving husband Jerry and infant son Gerald Paul Shirk.