Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Ruth Sande Obituary
Adel
Ruth Ellen "Toni" Sande, age 83, from Adel, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2016 surrounded by her family.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 5th at Grace Lutheran Church in Adel with burial at Oakdale Cemetery. Friends may call after 1 p.m. Thursday, August 4th at Grace Lutheran Church where family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m. with prayer service at 7 p.m.
Ruth was born in Humboldt, Iowa; the daughter of Hans and Katherine Schultz. She graduated from Humboldt High School.
Ruth received her degree from Iowa State Teacher's College and taught elementary education in Hampton, Dallas Center and Adel. While in high school, she met her best friend, Earl. They were married August 15, 1954. They lived in Dallas Center and moved to Adel in 1956, where she was a valuable partner in the operation of the family lumber business.
Ruth was the proud mother of three children, David, Susan and Kathleen. Ruth valued time spent with her family and friends (including those in Denmark and Norway). She enjoyed her flowers, traveling, reading, keeping up on current events and attending music/theater performances.
She was a life time member of the Lutheran Church and a charter member of Grace Lutheran in Adel where the Tuesday morning bible study was an important part of her life. She was active in her community, Danish Brotherhood, Sons of Norway, P.E.O., the Adel Women's Club and the local bridge group.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Hans and Katherine Schultz. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Earl; children, David (Nanci) Sande, Susan (Steve) Riedemann, Kathleen (Paul) Ford; grandchildren, Christian (Anna) Sande, Benjamin Sande, Garrett (Heather) Riedemann, Hannah Riedemann, Erin (Aaron) Ortbals, Emily (Robert) Auers; great-grandchildren, Tierney, Emerson and Malachi Riedemann, Jameson Ortbals, a great-granddaughter on the way and her sister, Barbara Lansing.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Family came first for this generous, loving and caring woman and she will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be directed to Grace Lutheran Church, Adel. Online condolences may be left at mccalleyfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
August 3, 2016
I met Toni at ISTC being inthe same hall. She just recently sent a note to me remembering the death of my husband. We would have been married 62 years also. What a fun girl in my memories.
Marilyn John
Carol and Harvey Andersen
August 3, 2016
We have fond memories of Ruth and Earl as fellow members of the Des Moines Danish Brotherhood. Ruth always had a friendly smile and greeting, and was an enthusiastic participant in group activities. Our sincere sympathy to Earl and all her family.
Ruth Kenney-Randolph
August 3, 2016
I met Ruth at ISTC and later when I lived in Adel. She set a good example of how to live your life fully and serve others. She will be missed.
Jerry & Roxanne Purdy
August 2, 2016
Toni always had a smile and a warm hug. She will be greatly missed and we are honored to have known her.
May God grant you all peace and strength during this most difficult time.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
735 South 14th St., Adel, IA 50003
Make a Donation
in Ruth Sande's name
How to support Ruth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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
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
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ruth Sande's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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