Ruth E. Mckinstrey
March 26, 1934 — August 26, 2019
Ruth E. McKinstrey, daughter of Albert C. and Bessie Pearl (Robinson) McKinstrey, born on August 26, 1934 in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Ruth graduated valedictorian of her Milford, Iowa class of 1952. She attended Buena Vista college for two years, then received her diploma in Clinical Pathology from St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in 1955. She worked at St. Joe’s Hospital and attended Morningside College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1964.
In 1965, Ruth went to Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She continued her education by completing a Hospital Supervisor Program in 1971. She worked there for 33 years and retired in March 1998. Ruth dedicated a lot of her time, energy, and integrity to her successful career.
Outside of work, she enjoyed traveling, dining out with friends, was an avid read (especially mystery books), and also enjoyed crossword puzzles, art fairs, attending Sioux Falls symphony concerts, cheering on her favorite Green Bay Packers team, and her gourmet cooking group. She also assisted primary students one on one with their reading, she truly enjoyed doing this. Her church was important to her by volunteering and serving various committees. Her travels to Ireland and Scotland were her favorites. She loved the Irish countryside, and visited there four times, where she connected with relatives.
Ruth was very proud of her Irish heritage. Ruth’s Irish spirit was displayed with a strong will, positive attitude, but also a warm and caring smile. She had a full, rich life. We will definitely miss that Irish spirit of hers. Rest in peace, Ruth.
Ruth died on Monday, August 26, 2019 at Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan, Iowa, attaining the age of eighty-five years. In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by her brother Gordon McKinstrey, sister Betty Branstetter, and brother-in-law Charles Branstetter.
Survivors include her sister-in-law Kathleen McKinstrey of Orange City, IA; nieces and nephews: Susan (Robert) Schmitz of Panama, IA; Jeff (Deborah) Branstetter of Harlan, IA; Lee (Sabrina) McKinstrey of The Woodlands, TX; Jay (Jill) McKinstrey of Pella, IA; Julie (Loren) Dewit of Orange City, IA; great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Condolences may be sent to: Jeff Branstetter 1614 Durant Street Harlan, Iowa 51537
In 1965, Ruth went to Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She continued her education by completing a Hospital Supervisor Program in 1971. She worked there for 33 years and retired in March 1998. Ruth dedicated a lot of her time, energy, and integrity to her successful career.
Outside of work, she enjoyed traveling, dining out with friends, was an avid read (especially mystery books), and also enjoyed crossword puzzles, art fairs, attending Sioux Falls symphony concerts, cheering on her favorite Green Bay Packers team, and her gourmet cooking group. She also assisted primary students one on one with their reading, she truly enjoyed doing this. Her church was important to her by volunteering and serving various committees. Her travels to Ireland and Scotland were her favorites. She loved the Irish countryside, and visited there four times, where she connected with relatives.
Ruth was very proud of her Irish heritage. Ruth’s Irish spirit was displayed with a strong will, positive attitude, but also a warm and caring smile. She had a full, rich life. We will definitely miss that Irish spirit of hers. Rest in peace, Ruth.
Ruth died on Monday, August 26, 2019 at Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan, Iowa, attaining the age of eighty-five years. In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by her brother Gordon McKinstrey, sister Betty Branstetter, and brother-in-law Charles Branstetter.
Survivors include her sister-in-law Kathleen McKinstrey of Orange City, IA; nieces and nephews: Susan (Robert) Schmitz of Panama, IA; Jeff (Deborah) Branstetter of Harlan, IA; Lee (Sabrina) McKinstrey of The Woodlands, TX; Jay (Jill) McKinstrey of Pella, IA; Julie (Loren) Dewit of Orange City, IA; great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Condolences may be sent to: Jeff Branstetter 1614 Durant Street Harlan, Iowa 51537
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