L. Ruth Gardner, age 94, of Washington, Iowa, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2019 at the Halcyon House in Washington

Celebration of life services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home with Pastor Colton Clay officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. Interment will be held at Elm Grove Cemetery. A general memorial has been established. Online condolences may be sent for Ruth's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com

Ruth was born September 12, 1924 in Montezuma, Iowa, the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Lathrop) Powers. She attended school in Ainsworth and graduated from Washington High School in 1943. Ruth was united in marriage to Donald D. Gardner on December 31, 1945.

Ruth worked in retail for many years at Montgomery Wards, Duncans and Holtons. She was a very active member of the First Christian Church for over 75 years, where she was an Elder and a Sunday School teacher. She was also a member of the Fortnightly Club and enjoyed knitting and sewing.

Ruth is survived by her son, Craig Gardner and wife Margean of Marion, Iowa; son, Steve Gardner and wife Connie of Norwalk, Iowa; son, Doug Gardner and wife Sheryl of Washington, Iowa; daughter, Tammy Goodwin and husband Gary of North Platte, Nebraska; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Ronald Powers of Des Moines, Iowa; brother-in-law, Lester Gardner of Iowa City, Iowa; sister-in-law, Mildred Kamper of Washington, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 2014; sisters: Marian Anderson, Evelyn Powers and Joyce Wright; and brother, Darold Powers.