Ruthann Clark-Scott

A memorial service for Ruthann Clark Scott, 94, of Milford, will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in Terril, Iowa. Friends and family are invited to gather for pizza and angel food cake after the service. Interment will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Terril at a later date. Visitation will be held 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Friday, April 25, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Least of These Carolinas, a non-profit organization that helps kids in foster care, at 4100 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28056 or www.lotcarolinas.com.

Ruthann Clark Scott was born on June 15, 1930, on the family farm in Lake Township, Iowa. She was a cherished late-in-life gift to her parents, Viola and Orrie Olson, who were 43 at the time. Viola once expressed concern about not being around long enough for her baby girl, but she certainly was - living to the remarkable age of 106, giving Ruthann 63 wonderful years with her. Ruthann grew up alongside her older siblings: Raymond, Fern, and Verna, all of whom preceded her in passing. As a child, she loved spending time outdoors with her father, preferring the fresh air and farm work to indoor tasks with her mother. One can only imagine the joy her father felt, having his little blonde-haired daughter by his side. Despite the hardships of the Great Depression, Ruthann's family always had food on the table. She remembered her childhood fondly and often spoke of the simple joys of farm life. She met Russell Clark in kindergarten, and they spent their school years together. Ruthann considered Russell the smartest boy in the class, so she was tickled when she edged him out to be class valedictorian. Ruthann attended Iowa State Teachers College and taught for one year in Story City before they married. Russell attended Iowa State University for one year before coming back to the farm. In 1949, Ruthann and Russell married, and she embraced her many roles with grace - teaching piano lessons, serving as the organist for the Terril Methodist Church, and working as a teacher. They soon welcomed their first son, Steven Roger Clark, in 1951, followed by Kevin Allen Clark in 1952. Growing up on the farm in the 1950's was idyllic. America was thriving after the war, and Steve and Kevin had a childhood filled with adventure and fond memories. Ruthann was a devoted farm wife, embracing every role with grace -- from gardening and raising chickens to making meals for the farm crew. She was a substitute teacher, gave piano lessons and was the organist at the Terril Methodist Church for many years. She delighted in making homemade pizza and angel food cake for her grandchildren's birthdays and was known for her creativity, crafting costumes and quilts, while teaching life skills to her grandchildren. Ruthann formed lifelong friendships, remaining a devoted member of the same bridge club for over 60 years. Steve married Lois Kunz from Ruthven, choosing to stay on the farm and raise his family there. Kevin married Bonita Cervera from Estherville, and together they attended Iowa State before settling in Des Moines. Steve and Lois have three children: Shonda (Mike Hibbs) of Charlotte, NC, Kyle (Becky) of Terril, IA, and Kayla (Nick Dunn) of Des Moines, IA. They have ten grandchildren: Aiden, Logan, Eli, Kaela, Katlyn, Joseph, Moises, Ava, Jayden, Blake, Zayne, Levi, and Jeremiah. They have five great grandchildren: Chance, Brantley, Walker, Annabella and Liam. Kevin and Bonita have three children: Brooke (Shane Brockman) and their daughter Willa, of Omaha, NE, Ross (Jill MacDougall) of Brooklyn, NY, and Lyndsay (Jake Bayer) of Brooklyn, NY. Russell's passing at just 57 was a heartbreaking loss for the family. He was a man of deep kindness, and his absence was profoundly felt. Ruthann carried on, demonstrating resilience and strength, until she found companionship again with Everett Scott of Des Moines. Their marriage brought each of them much happiness and joy. Everett's four children and their families were a delight for both of them. Loretta (Dave Durden), Linda (Jim Herald), Larry (Kathy) Scott and Lowell (Tamara) Scott. Their time together was a gift, and when Everett passed in 2014, Ruthann reflected with gratitude on the life she had lived. She often said she had been blessed to marry two wonderful men. But truly, we were the blessed ones to have Ruthann as our Mom, Grammy and Great Grammy. Her love, kindness, and strength shaped our lives in ways beyond measure, and we will forever carry her memory in our hearts.