Ruth Ann Koerner

Ruth “Roo” Ann Newland Koerner, 89, of Hampton, Iowa, passed away on November 2, 2024. A private family graveside service will be held at the Hampton Cemetery. Ruth's family will host a Celebration of Life and greet friends from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Faith Baptist Church in Hampton. Food will be provided in the Faith Café. Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory of Hampton is caring for Ruth and her family. Ruth was born on April 6, 1935, in Fairfield, Iowa. She was the daughter of Charles and Dorothy Hull Newland and sister of Sonya Sullivan, Mary Jo Bergland, and Doris Jean Boos. She graduated from Fairfield High School in 1953, then went on to the University of Iowa, earning a degree in Music Education in 1958. On June 24, 1956, Ruth was united in marriage to W. David "Dave" Koerner in Batavia, IA. They moved to Hampton in 1957 and were married for 47 years before Dave passed in 2004. Together they had three children: Seth, Phil, and Ann (Frandson). While in Hampton, Ruth worked at the Koerner-Whipple pharmacy aiding Dave. Ruth loved giving back to her community and making those around her feel special. She volunteered regularly in schools both in Hampton and in Arkansas. She loved to gift sewing and cross-stitching projects, like personalized Christmas stockings (even for pets!), Advent Calendars, homemade cards, and bookmarks. Ruth always said, “everyone has a story”, and she would ask the best questions in conversation with you. She would even do her own research to come back with even better questions the next time. She was an avid Scrabble player, and she loved being behind the camera. Everyone that knew her loved her. Some of her family’s favorite memories of Roo include: - “Even when we were far away while growing up, we always got to celebrate ‘with’ her by means of her handmade Christmas stockings.” – granddaughter Becca - “I’ll always remember our catch ups after a day of work, where we’d enjoy pretzels, cheese, and a glass of wine.” – daughter Ann - “Her laughter made me feel like I was special, and that I was always appreciated. Her laughter and sense of humor will always stay with me.” – granddaughter Nicole - “Everything that was graced by Roo was magic, like the ‘Flutterby’ nets she decorated for our enjoyment or a room’s energy because of her genuine joy and spirit.” – granddaughter Brenna - “The Christmas season in the Koerner household was a wonderful pot-Poruri of smells. My favorite being mom’s yummy homemade Peanut Brittle.” – son Seth - “I quite enjoyed morning conversation and puzzles over coffee with Roo while I lived with her.” – grandson Garrett - “For my senior football banquet, Mom went over to the superintendent and insisted she be invited. She knew I was going to get some awards and wanted to be there.” – son Phil - “She had wonderful energy and a beautiful smile.” – grandson Isaac - “She was never distracted when she was in your company. She was very intentional with her time with you.” – granddaughter Kristen Ruth attended Faith Baptist Church with Dave for many years in Hampton and First Baptist Church while living in Arkansas. Ruth prioritized her faith and thanked God every day for blessings from the previous day. Family remaining to cherish Ruth’s memory are children, Seth, Phil, and Ann, and grandchildren, Isaac, Becca, Garrett, Kristen, Brenna, and Nicole. Preceding Ruth in death are her husband, Dave; parents, Charles and Dorothy; and sisters, Sonya, Mary Jo, and Doris. In lieu of flowers, Roo would appreciate you bestowing an act of kindness upon another.

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Ruth Ann Koerner

April 6, 1935 - November 2, 2024