Ruth E. "Gempeler" Marty

Ruth E. Marty, age 92, of Peosta, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on March 17, 2026. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa, is assisting the family.

Ruth was born on September 17, 1933, in Washington Township, Monticello, Wisconsin, the daughter of Fred E. and Evelyn M. (Rote) Gempeler. She graduated from Monticello High School in 1951 and later moved to Madison, where she continued her education at Madison Business College. In 1954, she married Kermit ("Kert") Marty at the Swiss UCC Church in New Glarus. Together, they spent 50 years in Madison, where they raised their family: daughter Deb (Dennis) Mathson and son Craig S. Marty (Rosemary Bauchiero).

She is also survived by two grandchildren, Christian (Madeline) Marty and Julietta (Parker) Scott; and great-grandchildren, Theodore and Dahlia Marty, and Otto Scott.

Ruth is further survived by her sister, Emilie Bau; brothers Ralph (Marian) and Ernie; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2024; brothers-in-law Bill Erb and Bill Bau; and sister-in-law Sharon Gempeler.

Ruth enjoyed working with numbers and built a career as a bookkeeper and personal banker at CUNA Credit Union and Monona Grove State Bank (now BMO). She found great fulfillment in helping her customers. She also served as a Girl Scout leader and Sunday School teacher.

Ruth retired in 1994. She and Kert spent 19 winters in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Always curious about nature, she loved learning about plants, trees, and animals, and she and Kert spent many hours exploring the desert terrain and discovering all they could about Arizona. In her later years, she found great purpose in sending heartfelt notes and letters to family and friends. Even at 92, she maintained beautiful penmanship.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. The family will gather this summer on the family farm to celebrate her life.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque, 1670 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, IA 52002.