Ruth Ann Kuntz Iben

Our beloved Ruth Ann Kuntz Iben passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family, on January 27, 2025, following a brief hospitalization. She left this world much like she lived her life: with grace, strength, and just a little bit of sparkle. Ruth Ann was born on November 3, 1934, in Monticello, Iowa, during the era when Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth were making headlines. Perhaps her parents were baseball fans, or maybe it was just fate that she shared her name with such legendsâ€"either way, Ruth Ann certainly made her own mark in the world. The daughter of C. Herbert Kuntz and Gwendolyn Walton Kuntz, Ruth Ann was an adventurous and busy child, always on the move. That energy carried her into adulthood, where she mastered the art of impeccable timingâ€"whether it was holding the gate just as Jay finished farm chores or arriving at life's milestones with a perfect touch of flair. A proud member of the Class of 1952 at Monticello High School, Ruth Ann started her career at Iowa Electric, ensuring the office ran like a well-oiled machine. Staying close to her roots, she spent her entire life in the Monticello area, where she eventually met and fell in love with Albert Iben. They married on March 7, 1954, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church and built not only a beautiful family but also a thriving construction business together. Ruth Ann was the heart and soul of Iben Construction, the one who kept the records meticulous, the schedules tight, and the phones buzzing with opportunity. She began her career there in 1964 and remained its cornerstone even after her son Jay took over the business following Albert's passing. She was truly the glue that held it all together. Ruth Ann lived a full and vibrant life, enriched by her many passions. She loved donning her fanciest outfits and jewelry for outings with the Red Hat Society and coffee with "the girls." Her garden was a testament to her green thumb, and her kitchen was the source of many cherished family meals. Whether she was rolling dice on a scratch-off ticket or rolling out cookie dough, Ruth Ann did everything with gusto, including a yearly trip with Al to the Daytona 500 that was never missed, no matter what was happening. A daily ritual with her son Jay became one of her favorite routines: Jay would return with a newspaper and two scratch-off tickets, and Ruth Ann would try her luckâ€"equal parts hopeful and amused. As life brought new challenges, she found comfort in her daughter Jayne, who lovingly accompanied her to appointments and made sure she was always cared for. Ruth Ann's greatest joy was her family. She adored spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished for generations. Her warmth, humor, and zest for life were gifts she shared freely with everyone she met. Ruth Ann leaves behind her son, Jay (Jill) Iben; her daughter, Jayne (Rick Husmann) Iben; her grandchildren, Jaclyn (Rowdy) Hall, Josh Iben, Sarah (Jeff Gipe) Iben, Scott Stoneking, Courtney (Derek) Vandenberg, Kelsey (Chris) Castek, Jesse Iben, step-grandson Ben Husmann, and her great-grandchildren, Gannon, Reid, and Jayce Hall, Landon and Lianna Iben, Layla Gipe and Jax Schoon, Gavin and Kylie Vandenberg, Harper and Lainey Castek, her sister Jan (Jerry) Schneider. She is now joyfully reunited with those who went before her, including her parents, her husband Albert, and her son Jon. Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Goettsch Funeral Home in Monticello. The service will start at 10:00 a.m., with interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Reverend Holly Knouse will officiate. Friends and family are invited to share their thoughts, memories, and condolences in the online Guestbook at www.goettschonline.com. Ruth Ann's legacy is one of love, laughter, and a life well lived. She'd probably tell us not to fuss too much, but we'll cherish her memory and celebrate her extraordinary spirit, nonetheless.