There will be open visitation at the Peterson Mortuary in Glenwood, Iowa.
Memorials may be made to the Glenwood Public Library or the Malvern Public Library.
INTERMENT: Malvern Cemetery, Malvern, Iowa
Ruth Elizabeth (Johnson) Picker, 97, entered into eternal rest on November 24, 2008 at Glen Haven Home in Glenwood, Iowa. She was born February 24, 1911 on a farm northeast of Malvern, Iowa to James Elmer and Emma Louise (Parker) Johnson. When she was 9 days old the family moved to Malvern where she graduated from Malvern High School in 1928. She attended the University of Iowa, University of Nebraska at Omaha and Lincoln where she received both bachelors and masters degrees.
Ruth was united in marriage to Fred William Picker on May 24, 1935 in Malvern, Iowa. Their home was blessed with two children, James Frederick and Phyllis Irene.
She taught first at Sioux Indian Reservation, in South Dakota and then the following schools, Pleasant Hills Country School, Strahan, Silver City, Pacific Junction, Glenwood, Malvern, and Area Education Agency. She also helped many adults obtain GED diplomas through Iowa Western Community College. Her third and final retirement came in 1991 when she was honored for 60 years in education. She taught in many areas including vocal music, academic subjects, special education and work experience.
She joined the Malvern Methodist Church at age 13 and devoted much of her time volunteering as a Sunday School teacher, organist, and choir director. She also was active in United Methodist Women, where she served as a district officer. She was a longtime member of DAR, NEA, ISEA and was a former member of Alpha Delta Phi. Ruth was an avid reader and supported local library projects and building programs. She was proficient writer and had several articles published. She always maintained close relationships with former students and friends and continued corresponding with many of them. Ruth loved raising vegetables and flowers and took pride in her gardens. Her fabulous cooking was well-known to many, especially her pies, cookies.
Preceding Ruth in death were her parents, husband Fred, son James and daughter Phyllis, sisters, Velma, Maude and Mary Juelke, Mildred Madison and brother, Marvin Johnson. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Judy Picker; Grandchildren, Kenton and wife Lisa Picker; Kendra and husband Matt Biermann; two Great-Grandchildren, Sydney Faye and Gavin Frederick Biermann all of Glenwood, Iowa; 11 nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Visitation:Tuesday, November 25, 2008
2:00 AM
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Service:Saturday, November 29, 2008
10:00 AM
212 South Locust
Glenwood, IA51534
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