Search by Name

Search by Name

Ruth Fox Obituary

RUTH L. FOX Cedar Rapids Ruth L. Fox, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP BD+C, passed away peacefully on Jan. 21, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vivian and Eugene Olson. She is survived by her husband, Robert Fox; son, Carl Gauley (Karen Lu); grandchildren, Kai and Anno; sister, Nancy (David) Settles; nephews, Vincent, D.J. and John; and niece, Elizabeth Ruth. Ruth was born July 16, 1952, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Eugene and Vivian Olson. Ruth received a Bachelor of Art from Iowa State University in 1975. She married Michael L. Gauley in 1973. They had a son, Carl L. Gauley, in 1977. Ruth married Robert H. Fox on May 21, 1983, and they lived in Oxford, North Liberty and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Ruth started her own business, Parallel Lines Graphics, while in Oxford. Later, she worked for HLM Architects and OPN Architects. Ruth returned to Iowa State University and received her Master of Landscape Architecture in 2002. Before retiring, she founded Ruth L. Fox: Landscape Architecture + Planning, where she helped clients purchase and rehabilitate historic commercial and residential buildings. Ruth was a life-long artist whose early work focused on natural and built environments. She later developed a passion for life drawing. Ruth's artistic process drew inspiration from the subject matter's embodied energy representing moments in time that cannot always be seen. Her additional passions included creating ceramics, reading crime novels, watching Premier League Football and spending time with her grandchildren. Ruth will be interred in Gowrie, Iowa, at a later date. Donations may be directed to Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio in memory of Ruth L. Fox.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Jan. 26, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Fox

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

Doug Adamson

February 1, 2021

My sincere condolences to her family. I had the privilege to collaborate with Ruth for a time while she was at OPN. I enjoyed her unique and artful perspective that she poured into the project. It was a better design for it. Rest in peace, Ruth.

Jesse Lewis

February 1, 2021

Ruth found her way to Landscape Architecture through art; as such, she added value to the profession. Glad we were acquainted. Rest in the garden, Ruth.

Mira Engler

February 1, 2021

During her master of Landscape Architecture education at Iowa state Ruth was a creative and inspiring student. Her thesis on post-industrial landscapes was exemplary.
She will be missed.
ISU professor, Mira Engler

Karen Hoyt

January 27, 2021

Ruth served on the Artist Selection Panel for Marion's Uptown Artway, and her insightful contributions helped make this ArtPlace America project a success. It was a genuine pleasure getting to know her, and her expertise was very much appreciated!

Kate (Dykstra) Vos

January 26, 2021

I’m so sorry for your loss, Carl and family.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Ruth Fox's name

Memorial Events
for Ruth Fox

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Ruth's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Ruth Fox's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more