Ruth Marie Searles

Ruth Marie Searles, 100 years young, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Monday, October 13, 2025. Visitation will be held from 1:30 – 2:30 PM on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel Stateroom. The Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday October 19th at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Interment will be at 1:00 PM, Monday, October 20th at Blue River Cemetery in Blue River, WI.
Ruth was born on June 14, 1925, in Boscobel, Wisconsin, the daughter of Albert T. and Emily A. (Hueppenbecker) Knutson. She was united in marriage to Charles Newton Searles, Jr. on November 7, 1945, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Boscobel, WI.
Ruth Marie grew up in the small town of Blue River, WI along the Wisconsin River. Her dad, a blacksmith, and her mom, a homemaker, whose baking could put Betty Crocker's to shame, provided Ruth and her sister, Norine, with the kind of life many dream about. Her days there were filled with playing kick the can, biking, reading, going to dances (where her dance card was always filled) and having fun hanging out with friends. On the more studious side, she excelled in her studies, piano, drumming and twirling.
At the end of the war, Ruth Knutson married Charlie Searles, Boscobel, WI, who was the love of her life!! They had 2 children, a son, Paul, and a daughter, Shelley. Ruth enjoyed her profession of teaching to the fullest in Blue River, West Union (IA) and Cedar Rapids (IA). It became one of her greatest passions, where she positively influenced the lives of many of her students. To this day, her students (as well as her children) sing her praises as someone who instilled in them a love for life and learning!!
While living in West Union, she was an active member of the Zion Lutheran Church, enjoyed Gourmet & Art Clubs and loved taking part as a sister in the DB chapter of PEO. She and Chuck played many rounds of golf at the West Union Country Club and walked 4 miles almost daily!
In her later years of teaching, Ruth and Chuck bought a cottage on Lake Delhi as a place to build family memories. Countless days and nights were spent there enjoying meals, fishing, pontooning, swimming & skiing, and celebrating many occasions with family and friends.
Ruth was in the Oelwein Auxiliary and so very proud of our Country and Flag! A Fun Fact: Ruth's birthday was on the same day as President Trump's Birthday, which is our nation's Flag Day!!
She is survived by her children, Paul (Lesta) Searles of Madison, WI and Shelley (the late Frank) Kuennen of Solon, IA. Grandchildren Stephanie Donohoe of Cedar Park, TX, Michael Searles of Leander, TX, Adrienne Searles of Madison, WI, Kylie (Ryan) Mausser of Amana, IA and Greg (Nicole) Kuennen of Solon, IA. Great grandchildren include Jack and Dane Donohoe, Kailey and Casey Searles, Kayla Searles, Berkley, Baylor Briggs and Boone Mausser, and Kapri, Thea, Kane and Beau Kuennen.
Ruth Marie will be missed beyond measure by her family and friends; however, we all know she is with the Lord and dancing with Charles.
Memorials may be directed to the family as per their wishes.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Meth-Wick The Woodlands for the exceptional care that was given to Ruth.