Ruth Ann Upham

ruth upham
Ruth Upham, age 70 of New Hampton, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. Ruth Ann Upham was born November 26, 1943 at New Hampton, IA the daughter of Don and Arlene (Hutchinson) Upham. She attended New Hampton School graduating from New Hampton High School in 1962. After graduation, Ruth went to work for the Gambles Store in New Hampton from 1962-1971. She then went to work for Roger’s Famous Foods 1971-1978, which later became Daniel’s. In 1978 Ruth went to work for Montgomery Ward where she worked until 1984. Following Wards she went back to school. She then went to work for the American Institute of Commerce from 1985-1992. In 1992 she went to work for C&G Office Products, and in 1995 she went to work for Apex Office Supplies. In 2000 Ruth went to work as a licensed insurance agent for Ross Marketing. Ruth also enjoyed delivering for Blue Iris on special occasions and holidays. Ruth served the Chickasaw Ambulance Service for 10 years, the Red Cross blood program chair from 1965-1985. She was a member of Hospice Bereavement Support, Trinity Lutheran Church, WELCA, Congregation Life Committee, and Elder Care Ministry. Ruth is survived by five brothers Richard (Claire) Upham of Waunakee, WI, James (Anne) Upham of The Woodlands, TX, Tom (Karolyn) Upham of Janesville, WI, Leonard (Catherine) Upham of Cedar Falls, IA, Bill (Yoko) Upham of Woodridge, VA, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and aunts and uncles.

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  1. Our sympathy to all of Ruth’s family. Ruth and I shared several things. We both liked our sports, we bowled in the same league and we shared the same birthday. November 26th. For many years we always shared a greeting on our special day. Thank you Ruth and may Our Lord hold you in his arms and give you everlasting life. Betty and Jack Gorman

  2. Ruth was one of a kind lady. She will be missed. She and I were good friends while we worked at Ross Marketing. She was a blessing to have in my life, I will miss you Ruffess. All my prayers go out to your family. She was one beautiful and thoughtful women.

  3. Ruth you were one amazing lady. Always willing to put yourself out their with a welcoming handshake or comment. Tom and I will very much miss your greeting at our Saturday night church services at Trinity. God definitely gained a grand member to the heavenly choir. Dora Smith

  4. Our sympathy and prayers to all of Ruth’s family. I was one of her classmates and we
    had many visits over the past years. May she now rest in peace with her Heavenly
    Father. Karen (Roths) & Merle Schwickerath

  5. I have many memories of visting with Ruth over the years. I believe that when my parents were first married they rented from her or lived above her. She was always quick with a smile and a friendly hello.

  6. Our sympathy to all of Ruth’s family. Ruth had a heart of gold and was a real blessing to the “shut-ins” in our church. She was a loving, caring lady and will be missed. May you rest in the peace of our Lord.
    LeRoy and Danice Larson

  7. Our sympathy to Ruth’s family. I just visited with Ruth at the Oster Theater in Cedar Falls when we attended the performance of The Sound Of Music , musical director , Leonard Upham. You have lost a special person. Duane & Pat Lynch

  8. My prayers & sympathy at this sad time of loss. When I was a young girl, my parents Merle & Dorothy Vorwald would shop at Gambles. I remember Ruth Ann working there, always cheery & pleasant. I also remember her at the Bowl Away Lanes. My Mom & her bowled on leagues. In later years I would see her occasionally at Mc Donald’s. She always was a sweet soul with a jolly, hearty laugh. God Bless her and her loved ones. Deb Vorwald-Morrison

  9. My sympathy to all of Ruth Ann’s family. Living across the street from her house when I was growing up are some of my fondest memories of Ruth Ann. My brother and I would go out to the swimming pool everyday during the summer and would try and time it so that we would be walking just as she would be going back to work to see if she would give us a ride, she did often. I will always remember her singing “How Great Thou Art” at my grandmothers funeral, probably the first time a song and moved me to tears. Ruth Ann had a heart of a servant and is a great example for all of us to follow. Rest in peace Ruth Ann.

  10. The honesty and ethics of this wonderful woman were demonstrated to me when my wallet dropped through a bag when I was walking home from the library. I came home to a phone message that she had found it. I went to her home to get it…with everything intact! I had to force her to accept my gift of gratitude! A very special person indeed.

  11. My deepest sympathies to Ruth’s family. What a kind and caring woman she was. I’ll remember her friendly hello and how she took the time to always visit with me when I worked at Fareway. She always had a nice compliment or greeting for the day. She was like that with everyone she crossed paths with. Her involvement with her church and community is to be admired. She was indeed a good servant. May she rest in peace.

  12. I remember South Water Avenue and the special place the Uphams had in my family’s hearts. I have lost touch and must work on Saturday, but I guess we, on South Water Avenue, still have some things in common including memories of times past. My thoughts are with the family.

  13. Sorry to hear of the loss of a dear and kind woman. I really admired her dedication to the community and her church family.

  14. No heart breaks alone for God is always near. When a prayer is whispered God is always there to hear. When sorrow’s overwhelming, He comforts tenderly. A single tear never falls that he does not hear.(Psalms 65:2)

  15. Ruth was a wonderful hometown link for the NHHS class of ’62. As we moved on after graduation we could always count on her networking to keep us connected. She was instrumental in planning reunions and a great friend to many. Her spirit lives on and the memory of her big smile will always be there to encourage us.

  16. My deepest sympathy to Ruth’s family. So often when I attended services at TLC, or simply stopped in with a question, Ruth was there. She truly was a servant of God and lived her life in that way. She was so pleasant and kind and a wonderful “greeter” whether at church service or just there at church doing good.
    There’s no doubt Heaven has gained a VERY SPECIAL ANGEL who has already found a Heavenly
    task~~~may you RIP!

    Fran Rowland


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