Ruth Ellen Branstetter

Ruth Ellen Branstetter obituary, Urbandale, IA

Ruth Ellen Branstetter

Ruth Branstetter Obituary

Visit the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory - Urbandale Chapel website to view the full obituary.

Ruth Ellen Branstetter, 89, of Winterset, Iowa, passed away on April 16th, 2025, at the Kavanagh House in Des Moines, Iowa.

Ruth was born on October 2nd, 1935, in Drumright, Oklahoma, the daughter of Thomas Henry and Sylvia Faye (Carroll) Tippit. She graduated from Drumright High School in 1953. Ruth then attended and graduated from Draughn Business School in Oklahoma City after high school. She was married to the love of her life, Lee Roy Ruel Branstetter on August 19th, 1956, in Drumright, Oklahoma.

Ruth and Lee raised their two children, Kevin and Marcia Branstetter in Colorado and Texas. Ruth and Lee frequented places where they could hike. Ruth enjoyed the mountains and the outdoors. Ruth especially loved the mountains in Colorado and Washington State, particularly Deception Pass. Her biggest pride was being a fantastic mother to Kevin and Marcia. Ruth had a passion as a seamstress, making over 50 quilts in her time with us on earth. It goes to show how caring she was to handmake comfort for others to enjoy for many years.

Preceded in death were her parents: Henry and Sylvia Tippit; husband of 65 years: Lee Roy Ruel Branstetter; and her brother: Ralph Tippit.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Kevin (Teresa) Branstetter and Marcia Branstetter; grandchildren: Sydney and Ethan; sisters: Dortha Doyal and Shirley Matthews; and niece: Kimberly Hulsey; as well as other relatives and friends.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 at the Winterset Cemetery in Winterset, Iowa at 1:00 pm.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Make a Donation
in Ruth Branstetter'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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
Ways to honor Ruth Branstetter's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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