Ruth Eugenia Randolph

Ruth Randolph, age 85, of Fairfield, IA, passed away at Vista Woods Care Center in Ottumwa, IA on Friday, October 30, 2009.

Visitation wil begin 10:00 AM, Tuesday, November 3rd at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. The family will be present from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at the Packwood Christian Church in Packwood, IA, with Pastor Frosty Van Voorst officiating. Burial will be in Richland Friends Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Foundation or the Packwood Christian Church. Cards and memorials may be sent c/o:
1565 Hwy 34
Fairfield, IA 52556

Ruth E. Randolph was born February 3, 1924 to Dale and Clara (Sheetz) Carris in Fairfield, IA. She married Al Merrill on July 21, 1945 in Missouri and they later divorced. She married Craig Randolph on December 13, 1974. He preceded her in death July 27, 1984.

Ruth graduated from Richland High School with the Class of 1941 and continued her education graduating from St. Joseph School of Nursing in 1945. Ruth was an RN for Ottumwa Regional Hospital in the OB Department for 40 years. She had lived in Batavia and later moved in with Judith & Clifford Nichols in 2007. She loved to do word search puzzles, to read and her dogs. Ruth loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ruth was a member of Packwood Christian Church.

Ruth is survived by her children and their families: Kenneth L. (Lora A.) Merrill of Packwood, and Judith (Clifford) H. Nichols of Fairfield. She was blessed with grandchildren Mike (Robie) Merrill of Batavia, IA, Jeff (Katie) Merrill of Chandler, AZ, Matthew (Stephanie) Merrill of Fairfield, and Heather Palmer, also of Fairfield; as well as five great-grandchidren, three step-great grandchildren, and three step great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her brother, H. Keith Carris.