Ruth Louise Seger

Ruth Louise Seger, beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa.
Ruth was born on September 30, 1946, in Ames, Iowa, the daughter of John Betts and Rosabell Helms. She graduated from Oak Park Academy in 1964, and continued her education at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. She moved to Chicago with her husband to be near her sister and brother-in-law where she worked at Waste Management and Price Waterhouse.
In 1974, Ruth relocated to Seattle, Washington, where she continued her professional journey with Price-Waterhouse. There, she mastered the MagCard typing system and excelled in her work – she was always eager to learn new technology. Her time in Seattle would prove life-changing, as she met James Seger on a city bus-a serendipitous encounter that blossomed into a loving partnership. Ruth and Jim were married on May 12, 1979, in Redman, Washington.
The couple's life together was marked by adventure and service. They moved to Alaska, where Jim was stationed with the Coast Guard, and spent six memorable years there. Ruth and Jim then made their home in Cleveland, Ohio, for three years before returning to Seattle. In 1994, they moved to Nevada to care for Rosabell Betts, Ruth's mother, demonstrating Ruth's deep commitment to her loved ones. Ruth worked for Lutheran Social Services until her retirement in 2005, touching many lives through her kindness and dedication.
Ruth found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid fan of word search puzzles and loved watching Perry Mason. Music held a special place in Ruth's heart; she played the piano and saxophone with enthusiasm and talent. Ruth especially enjoyed playing accompaniment to the Beach Boys, delighting in the music she often hijacked from her daughter Jean's CD collection. She also listened to Readers Digest on LP, finding comfort and happiness in melodies and stories.
Ruth is survived by her devoted husband Jim of Nevada; her loving daughter Jean Friestad of Nevada; her step-children David (Debbie) Seger, Keith (Robin) Seger, Chrys (Gwen) Wilding, and Amy Seger; as well as a passel of step-grandchildren who brought her immense pride and joy. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Betts and Rosabell Helms, and her sister Rosalea Friestad.
Ruth's legacy is one of love, kindness, and service to others. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
In honor of Ruth's generosity and compassion, memorials may be made to the Harmony Clothing Closet in Nevada. The Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with Ruth's care and arrangements. Friends and family are invited to share condolences and memories online at www.rasmussonfh.com.
A visitation will be held 2-3 p.m. Monday, November 10, 2025, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada. A funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. also at the funeral home.