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Ruth Means Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 2, 2012.

Ruth Baldwin Means, beloved sister, wife, mother and friend, died after an extensive illness. She was 88 years old. She was born to Melvin and Violet Marie Baldwin on Sept 14, 1923, and she had two sisters and four brothers. She grew up in Fort Madison, Iowa and was baptized and confirmed in the Old English Lutheran Church. She married James Means and nurtured her children, John, Linda, Ronald, Randy, and Michelle throughout their living days. She served as a homemaker until her husband's death, when she relocated to Florida to be with her children. She was an advocate for adults with disabilities and garnered much needed services and a living facility for them in Keokuk, Iowa. Her Christian faith was very important to her and she was an active member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winter Park. She worked in a number of secretarial and administrative positions until her retirement at the age of 70. Her colorful character and euphemisms charmed all who came to know and love her. She is survived by her wonderful brothers, Kenny (Sharon) Baldwin of Wever and Richard Baldwin of Ft. Madison; her loving children, Linda (Cecil) Miles of Orlando FL, Ronald Means of Clear Lake, IA, Randy (Carol Brinati) Means of Coco Beach, FL, and Michelle (Glenn) Klausman of Orlando, FL; her cherished 5 grandchildren; her precious 10 great grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a son, John, a grandson, Gentry, two sisters and two brothers. Her parting words, "I love you most," are emblazoned on our hearts. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until 11 AM on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. The graveside service will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday following the visitation at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Keokuk with Rev. Rodney Underwood officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, 2201 Lucien Way, Suite 100, Maitland, FL 32751. Online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com

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