Ruth Manning Eau Claire

MASON CITY | Ruth Manning Eau Claire, a longtime resident of Mason City, was reunited with her beloved, Walter Eau Claire, on Monday, May 18. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, known for her quick wit and sense of humor.

Forever 29 years old, Ruth was born Aug. 20, 1923, in Des Moines to Judson and Harriet (Winburn) Manning.

She met Walter Eau Claire, the love of her life, at the Iowa State Fair in 1937. They were married on Dec. 12, 1942, in Bethany, Missouri, while Walter was on furlough from the Army. She lived for a short time in Port Townsend, Washington, while Walter was stationed there. When he was sent to Europe she lived with his parents in Mason City until they were reunited after the war.

They lived in Mason City until December 2012, when they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Dec. 12, 2012, shortly before Walter passed away on Dec. 23, 2012. She moved to Marysville, Washington, in November 2013 to be near her daughter Denise and family.

They were blessed with four children: Susann, Michael, Denise, and Steven.

Ruth was troop leader of Girl Scout Troop 90 for many years, and loved to break out into Girl Scout songs every chance she could. She had many long-term friends throughout her life, including other young mothers from an informal neighborhood club, the Highland Park Golf Course Lady's Club, where she was named "Ruthie, the Official Weather Girl," her pals from Curves and Parade days, a mall group of Walkie-Talkies, a Trinity Lutheran Church Circle, and other snowbirds in McAllen, Texas, where they spent many winters. She was always a source of entertainment and loved showing off her grandchildren to her friends.

Ruth was a stay-at-home mom until their youngest was in junior high, when she returned to the work force. She worked for many years in Registration and Records at the Park Clinic/North Iowa Medical Center.

She was preceded in death by her parents; both of her brothers; her only sister; her daughter Susann Allen; and her grandchildren Craig Allen, Carrie Allen, and Camille Allen.

She is survived by her children Michael (Jeanene) Eau Claire, Potomac, MD; Denise (Pete) Held, Everett, Washinton; and Steven (Anna Mae) Eau Claire, North Potomac, Maryland; 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

A celebration of her life, as well as another 29th birthday celebration, is planned for Aug. 20, 2015 (her birth date), at Trinity Lutheran Church at 10:30 a.m. with lunch to be served by the circle.