Ruth Hamm

Ruth O. Hamm, 89, of Waukon, IA, formerly of Dubuque, IA, died Friday, August 6, 2021, at her daughter's home in Holmen, WI. Per Ruth's wishes, no services are planned at this time. A burial of ashes will be at Sixteen Cemetery in rural Monona, IA. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers and gifts, please send a donation in Ruth's name to Tina's K-9 Rescue at 8838 County Highway I, Sparta, WI 54656. Tina's K-9 Rescue took in Ruth's dog Jed when she moved away from the farm and wasn't able to care for him.

Ruth Olive Hamm was born February 29, 1932, in rural Harpers Ferry, IA, the daughter of Andrew Nathan and Floy Olive (Clausen) Jones. At age 14, she left home to become a nanny so she could attend high school in Luana, IA. She played basketball and in 1950, her high school team went to State. She made the 3-pointer at the last second to get them to the State game. After graduating, Ruth married Guy O. Hamm on July 15, 1950. The couple moved to Dubuque, IA, where they worked and raised their family. Guy died on July 11, 1997, and Ruth later moved to Waukon, IA. She worked for TASC and provided in home care at the group homes. She loved and cared for so many people in her lifetime and was a caregiver to people whether ailing or hardy. As she loved animals and nature, Ruth also had a hobby farm for many years, which included taking care of her faithful lab Jed and the birds.

Ruth also enjoyed quilting and embroidering pillow cases, following the Iowa Hawkeyes, and gardening. She liked playing cards and belonged to various card clubs. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Democratic Party, and the American Legion Auxiliary in Waukon. Ruth loved God, America, and people.

Ruth was known for sending hundreds of cards to family and friends annually. She said, "you never know how a card can impact a person's life upon receiving." If you would like to celebrate Ruth's life, send someone a card, happy or sad.

She is survived by her children: Colleen Weber of Otsego, MN, Debra Knight of Lakewood, WA, Loren Hamm of McGregor, IA, Denise (Chris) Stern of Holmen, WI, and Trudy (Takeye) Tekeste of Ventura, CA; grandchildren: Sarah, Mark, Ivy, Brandy, Rachael, Adrian, Shannon, Joshua, Alum, and Matthew; 26 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; siblings: Janet Miller, Dayton (Katey) Jones, Milton (Ramona) Jones, and Leon (Linda) Jones; two sisters-in-law: Florence Jones and Berniece Erickson; brother-in-law Barton (Marilyn) Hamm; and several nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband Guy; a special nephew Richard "Dickie" Schlitter; siblings: Carlton Jones, Helen Brown, Pearl Hamm, Irene Benzing, Lorraine Schlitter, Vera Redalen House, and John Jones; sisters-in-law: Helen Jones, Vera Nichols, and Gertrude Hamm; and brothers-in-law: Lawrence Hamm, Harmon Hamm, Marvel Redalen, Lyle House, Lester Erickson, Clark Nichols, and Stan Miller.