Ella May Ruppert

May 12, 1934 - March 17, 2021

Ella May Ruppert, age 86, of Washington, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at the United Presbyterian Home following a short illness. Private family services and interment will be held Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington with Pastor Kwang Song officiating. Memorials have been established for the United Methodist Church and Hospice of Washington County. The Jones & Eden Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent for Ella May’s family through the web at www.jonesfh.com Ella May was born May 12, 1934 in Pekin, Iowa, the daughter of Cecil and Edith (Zepp) Garrels. She attended country school in Jefferson County and graduated from Packwood High School. Ella May received her Teaching Certificate from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. She later received her Bachelor’s Degree from Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant. Ella May was united in marriage to Robert Keith “Bob” Ruppert on July 3, 1955 in Pekin, Iowa. Ella May began her exceptional teaching career in Washington, Iowa in 1953 and retired from teaching in 1992. She cared deeply for her students and was a positive, energetic influence on them. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, TTT and PEO. Ella May and Bob had a long, loving marriage and had an idyllic retirement. They wintered in Sun City West, Arizona for many years. She enjoyed painting, reading, long bike rides, walks and especially her family. She is survived by her son, Doug Ruppert and wife Cindy of Iowa City, IA; daughter, Karen McFarland and husband Jon of Washington, IA; five grandchildren: Jennifer Sanchez and husband Joe of Plymouth, MN; Brent Ruppert and wife Breanne of Tiffin, IA; Lauren Muhlenbruch and husband Ben of Iowa City, IA; Ben McFarland and wife Hannah of Des Moines, IA; and Cassie Vazquez and husband Rick of North Liberty, IA; and two great-granddaughters; Elodie and Mila Vazquez. LLL. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 2017; and brother, Dale Garrels and wife Bev.