Ruth Ann McDonough, age 87, of Schaller, Iowa, died Friday, August 31, 2007 at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Funeral Services for Mrs. McDonough will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at the First Presbyterian Church in Schaller. Burial will follow in the Cook Center Township Cemetery near Schaller. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller is in charge of the arrangements.

Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 3, 2007 at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller, where the family will be present from 6:00 to 8:00.

Ruth Ann Potter was born March 20, 1920 in Algona, Iowa, the daughter of Dr. Loren Ray and Lila (Harris) Potter. She was baptized as an infant and later confirmed her faith as a youth in the Methodist Church. Ruth Ann graduated from Schaller High School in 1938 and continued her education at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa for one year and then for two more years at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She also attended American Institute of Business in Des Moines, Iowa.

On December 21, 1944, Ruth Ann was united in marriage to Charles LaDon McDonough at the First Presbyterian Church in Schaller. The couple was blessed with three children: John, Jim and Jean.

Ruth Ann and LaDon farmed near Schaller their entire married life until their retirement. Ruth Ann was a devoted mother who kept a warm and comfortable home for her family, a home where family and friends were always welcomed. A faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Schaller, Ruth Ann was very involved in her church, serving as clerk of Session and Sunday School teacher for many years. She was a 4-H leader for numerous years, and was a member of Eastern Star and Clover Club. Ruth Ann also enjoyed playing cards and belonged to several bridge clubs. She and LaDon loved to be among people and they enjoyed their drives through the countryside together.

Ruth Ann’s family was always her first priority and she treasured the time she was able to spend with her children and their families. Her quiet, caring ways will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, John (Norma) McDonough of Early, Iowa; son Jim (Cathy) McDonough of Schaller; daughter Jean McDonough of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; grandchildren: Michele (Jason) Ronfeldt of Schaller; Melanie Currie (Adam Pyle) of Schaller; Mike McDonough and Mark McDonough, both of Schaller; and Jacob Anspach of Cedar Rapids; step-grandchildren: Cindy (Dan) Schroeder of Odebolt, Iowa; Rick Thies of Sac City, Iowa; and Chris and Jennifer Anspach of Cedar Rapids; great-grandchildren: Kayla, Tasha and Austin Ronfeldt; Kaitlyn Currie, Courtney Pyle and Carson Wendel; step-great-grandchildren: Travis and Chelsea Schroeder; Justin, Kyle and Amanda Thies; Dallas and Melinda Thies; brother Jim (Marlys) Potter of Ames, Iowa; brother Don (Connie) Potter of Sioux City, Iowa; sister-in-law Inez McDonough of Boone, Iowa; extended family and many friends.

Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, LaDon; her sister, Kay Creel; her two sisters-in-law, Marge Potter and Dodie Potter; daughter-in-law Joyce McDonough; step-grandson Randy Thies; and step-great-granddaughter Heather Schroeder.