Ruth Ann Barillas

Ruth Ann Barillas, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in Forest Hills, NY at the age of 91.
Born on March 11, 1934, in Algona, Iowa, Ruth was the youngest of seven children born to James Martin and Jessie Elmore. She grew up on the family farm, surrounded by strong values, deep faith, and hard work. After graduating from Algona High School, Ruth moved to Des Moines, where she met the love of her life, Mario Gustavo Barillas. The two were married on October 1, 1960, at St. Theresa Catholic Church and celebrated 52 years of marriage.
Ruth was the heart of her family and lived a life rooted in her Catholic faith, which she shared generously with her children. She devoted herself to raising seven children and was a pillar of support and love to all who knew her. She volunteered for many years at St. Theresa Catholic Church and Dowling Catholic High School, always giving her time in service of others.
Shortly after they married and started their family, the newlyweds became the first family in Iowa to foster a 14 year old Cuban son, Tavito, who fled to the US in 1961 through Operation Peter Pan led by the Catholic Welfare Bureau and the US State Dept. Tavito helped care for his new baby sisters and attended Dowling High School while Mario taught him English. Ruth was thrilled when Tavito's parents and sister were able to safely leave Cuba and reunite with him in the US. They were welcomed in Des Moines and hosted by Ruth and Mario before settling as a family in South Florida.
Ruth had a special talent for creating joy. She was a longtime member of Iowa Questers, the Tri-T Society, and a local bridge club, where she cherished her friendships. Known for her flower gardens, exceptional cooking and elegant themed dinner parties, Ruth brought people together with warmth, laughter, and style.
She is survived by her six children: Tavito (Geny) Lima of Parkland, FL; Teressa Barillas (Ray) of Forest Hills, NY; Chris (Lisa) Barillas of Clear Lake, IA; Nina Pardee of St. Louis, MO; Danielle (Bob) Kopatich of Bothell, WA; and Marty (Veronica) Barillas of Des Moines, IA; as well as her 19 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
She enters in eternal peace with her beloved husband, Mario, their eldest daughter, Angela (Gary) Howerton and grandson-in-law Jason Finney (Jessica).
Visitation will be held at Dunn's Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 4:00-6:00pm. On Thursday, August 21, 2025, a funeral mass will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church at 9:30 a.m. followed by a luncheon from 10:30-11:30 a.m. A burial will take place at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Theresa Catholic Church or Dowling Catholic High School. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.
Arrangements by Iles Dunn's Chapel.
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