Ruth Elaine Peterson

August 26, 1932 - February 20, 2021

On February 20, 2021 Ruth Elaine Peterson passed away on the family’s century farm at the age of 88. She was reunited with her husband in heaven because as a young girl she accepted Christ as her Savior. Ruth was born to Rev. George and Freda (Haines) Bates in Ashtabula, Ohio on August 26, 1932. She was the oldest of four children. Ruth lived in Cleveland, Ohio most of her childhood, until her senior year in high school when they moved to Decatur, IL. She graduated mid-year from Decatur High in 1950. That fall she attended Wheaton College where she would receive her diploma for nursing. Ruth attended Baptist Bible Seminary in Johnson City, NY. It was there that she would meet the love of her life, Richard Peterson, “with the purple and white Ford”. They were married on August 23, 1957. Last year was their 63rd wedding anniversary. No matter what they faced in their life together, their faith and trust in God never wavered. Richard & Ruth started their family in Windsor, NY with the births of Gregg & Heidi. Her work included nursing, church and teaching piano. Ruth had always loved animals. They had a pet dog named Pal that was part of the family. In August 1969, the family moved to the Peterson family farm near Burnside Iowa. In 1976 Richard & Ruth chose to add Jay Edward to their family. Richard & Ruth did many things together, from daily chores to traveling. She worked part time as a night nursing supervisor at Trinity Regional Hospital for many years. Gregg (Cheryl), Heidi, Jay (Kim) were eventually joined by 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Richard, parents Rev. George and Freda Bates, and grandson Karl Wesley. All services will be held at Gunderson Funeral Home in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 5th from 4-7 pm. Funeral service will be on Saturday, March 6th at 10 am.