Ruth Hannah Hartley

Ruth H. Hartley, 84, of Postville, IA, died Monday, December 23, 2024, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, IA. Private family services will be held Saturday, December 28th, at Martin - Grau Funeral Home in Waukon with Pastor Matthew Majewski officiating. Burial will take place a later date in Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may greet the family form 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday at the funeral home.

Ruth Hannah Hartley was born in Waukon, IA, on September 13, 1940, to Charles and Evelyn (Johnson) Anderson. She graduated from Waukon High School in 1958. Ruth met the love of her life, John Hartley; excited to start their lives together, the two married on June 22, 1958, at Center Baptist Church in rural Lansing, IA.

Ruth lived a life full of love, laughter, and kindness. She touched so many hearts and we are grateful for every precious memory. Ruth loved serving others and found great joy in cooking and baking for those around her. She never failed to make sure the room had more food than they could eat: homemade bread, brownies, too many cookies, and her much loved potato salad. Ruth was the kind of person who never forgot a birthday, always making her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren feel special. She leaves behind a legacy of love that spanned four generations and enriched countless lives.

She and John owned and managed Highway Lanes in Postville. After selling the bowling alley, Ruth managed Tri City Golf Course in Luana, IA, for 21 years and was also an Ambassador at the Isle of Capri in Marquette, IA, for 10 years before retiring. For the past 25 years, Ruth and John enjoyed staying at Lunds Camp, Harpers Ferry, IA, where she always loved the view of the Mississippi river from the front deck of their trailer. Ruth was also a proud member of the VFW Auxiliary in Waukon for more than 20 years.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 66 years, John, of Postville; brother Warren "Tom" (Cheryl) Anderson of Cumming, IA; a sister Mary (Frank) Regan of Waukon; sister-in-law Lois Anderson of Cedar Rapids, IA; a brother-in-law Donald Aldrich of Waukon; her children: Steven (Cindy) Hartley of Warner Robins, GA, and Susan (Rick) Peterson of Charlotte, NC; daughter-in-law Deb Hartley of Postville; her grandchildren: Brandon (Shannon) Hartley of Decorah, Brian (Amanda) Hartley of Postville, Tiffany (Ryan) Wulfekuhle of Delhi, IA; Jennifer (Glynn) Cooper of Perry, GA, Kristen (Brett) Scott of Roswell, GA, Erik (Allison) Peterson of Lancaster, SC, and Sarah Peterson of Charlotte, NC; her great-grandchildren: Gage, Clara, and Nicholas Hartley, Maddox and McKenzi Hartley, Jayda, Elsie, and Hallee Wulfekuhle, Braxton and Kinsley Cooper, Hartley and Cullen Scott, and James, Emma, and Barrett Peterson. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her son David Hartley; a brother C. John Anderson; two sisters: Lois Aldrich and Janet (Myron) Bray; and a sister-in-law Lana Anderson.

She leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes.