Ruth Alice Bartels-Whalen

Ruth Alice Bartels-Whalen, 98, of Iowa City, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 7, 2025, at Bickford Senior Living in Iowa City.
Born June 28, 1926, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Roy Frank and Eunice Mildred (Murphy) Davison. On January 9, 1954, she married Dr. Edward R. Bartels in Burlington, Iowa. In 1960 Dr. Bartels was taken from this world. On November 14, 1968, she married Jerry Whalen in Littleton, Colorado.
Ruth was a registered nurse, working full-time before raising her family. She continued nursing as time allowed, while raising her children. She enjoyed a variety of activities including knitting, quilting, rug braiding, gardening, and volunteering at the library.
Ruth was an active member of St. Columbkille's Catholic Church while in Dubuque, Iowa, as well as St. Mary's Catholic Church while in Littleton, Colorado.
Ruth is survived by five children: Lisa Jones (Rick) of Loveland, CO, Ed Bartels (Judy Reese) of Missoula, MT, Dave Bartels (Diane) of West Palm Beach, FL, Ann Bartels of Iowa City, IA, and Charles Whalen (Susanne) of Stockholm, Sweden; one brother, Robert (Shirley) Davison of Longmont, CO, and two sisters-in-law: Elizabeth Bray and Joni Davison of Dubuque, IA; nine grandchildren, Corbin, Langston (Allegra), Kim (Carlos), Roy (Stacey), Brian, Christopher, Julia, Daniel, and Oliver; and five great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Ruth was preceded in death by her first husband, Dr. Bartels, and second husband, Jerry Whalen, her parents, her sister, Rita Ralston, and her brother, Richard Davison.
A public visitation will be held at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service in Iowa City on Friday June 13, 2025 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.
A Catholic mass and private burial will take place at a later date, in Dubuque, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Moments Hospice of Iowa City.