Lois M. Ruchotzke, 96, of Bettendorf, Iowa; passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at The Summit of Bettendorf. Services will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 11:30am at the Bettendorf Presbyterian Church, visitation will begin at 10am. Burial will be at Pine Hill Cemetery in Wheatland, Iowa. Memorials in Lois’ name may be made to the Bettendorf Presbyterian Church or to ProMedica Hospice.
Lois was born on August 16, 1926 to Herbert and Ella Creger in Lowden, Iowa. Following high school, she was united in marriage to Ralph Ruchotzke on January 6, 1946 in Lowden, Iowa. Ralph and Lois spent the next five decades engaged in farming in the Lowden, Lost Nation, Oxford Junction and Calamus areas. When they weren’t working, they enjoyed dancing, cards, and camping. They spent 22 enjoyable winters in Donna, Texas. Their group of Texas friends enjoyed 30 years of Wednesday morning breakfast gatherings. They were active in the Lost Nation Presbyterian Church. Their greatest joy was spending time with their grandchildren, playing cards and games and enjoying Lois’ excellent desserts. Her mini donuts and brownies are legendary.
Following Ralph’s death in 2004, Lois relocated to Bettendorf where she joined Bettendorf Presbyterian Church and developed many treasured friendships. Lois remained very social in her later years and loved spending time with friends and family playing cards and games. She especially enjoyed her “card buddies” at Senior Star. Her other hobbies included working on embroidery, crochet projects and making quilts with her daughter. Throughout her later years she never lost her mental acuity. At 96, she was still sharp as a tack and had a great sense of humor. She was beloved by staff and fellow residents at Senior Star and The Summit. She will be missed by many.
Those left to honor her memory are her daughters Kathy (Marv) Vacek, Nancy (Randy) Ommen, and Julie Ruchotzke; her sons Randy (Renee) Ruchotzke and Rick (Ruth) Ruchotzke; 10 grandchildren Tricia (Bryan) Britt, Shane (Suzanne) Vacek, David (Lori) Yegge, Alicia (Mike) Herlihy, Sarah (Ramez) Gaberiel; Evan (Julia) Smith, Hannah (Benja) Baughman, William (Marnie) Ruchotzke, Jacob Ruchotzke, and Samuel Ruchotzke; 12 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Her husband, her parents, two brothers Wallace and Donald, and granddaughter Amanda Smith preceded her in death.
