Ruth Ann Wirtz

1944 - 2025

Ruth Ann (Dyas) Wirtz

July 20, 1944 - June 2, 2025

Ruth passed on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the Solon Care Center, Solon, Iowa, from complications of advanced Alzheimer Dementia. A brief memorial service followed by a celebration of her life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, July 20th, 2025, at The Kirkwood Room, 515 Kirkwood Avenue, Iowa City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Solon Nursing Care Center, The University of Iowa Alzheimer's Research Fund or the Dyas Unit of Bellevue State Park, Bellevue, Iowa. Private family inurnment will be held at First Presbyterian Cemetery, Bellevue, Iowa, near her parents.

Born July 20, 1944, to parents, Hazel and Wilbur Dyas, of Bellevue, Iowa. Ruthie Dyas grew up on a farm along the Mississippi River just South of Bellevue, Iowa. She excelled in vocal music from a young age, being selected to sing tunes on local and Dubuque AM radio stations at age 5 and 6. Music played an integral role in the rest of her life; she played accomplished piano well into her 70s and accompanied her children and their friends on numerous school and club recitals. She was an active "Band Mom." She graduated Bellevue High School in 1962, one of seven females in a graduating class of 8 students (lucky guy?!). She then graduated from the University of Iowa with honors with a degree as a dental hygienist.

She initially worked a short time after graduation in a dental office in Davenport, Iowa, returning in 1970 to the Davenport/Quad Cities area and working for three dentists she adored (Drs. McFadden, Gordon and Smith). She retired from this position after over 50 years of service in 2014.

She met her husband, John C. Wirtz of Maquoketa, Iowa, through mutual friends at a party in 1967. Six months later, they were married in Maquoketa, Iowa. When you know, you know.

After a honeymoon in Wisconsin Dells, the newlyweds moved to Chicago and lived there until 1970, then found their long-time home in Davenport, Iowa. From there they raised two children: Jason was born in 1970, and Amy was born in 1973. She worked full time, volunteered for girl/boy scouting clubs, enjoyed reading, jigsaw puzzles, popular music, local musical theater productions, gardening and seeing her grandchildren, Ingrid (15), John (14) and Luke (11). She attended Presbyterian and later, Unitarian churches weekly. She grew up loving dogs and cats, they gave her immeasurable joy and comfort her entire life.

Upon retirement John and Ruth Ann moved to be closer to Amy, living in the Iowa City area. She spent much of her time gardening and helping raise grandson, John.

Remembrances include her smile, her wisdom and listening skills, her positive outlook that "life is good" and her sweet demeanor to friends and strangers alike.

She is survived by her husband, John Charles Wirtz; along with the family members mentioned above. She will be dearly missed by all.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lensingfuneral.com.