Obituary of Ruth Den Beste

    Ruth Den Beste, daughter of Lester and Kate (Borgman) Muilenburg, was born August 21, 1929, in Archer, Iowa. She spent her youth in the Archer area where she received her education, graduating as salutatorian from the Archer Consolidated High School with the class of 1947.

    On February 26, 1948, Ruth was united in marriage to Bernard “Bernie” Den Beste also of Archer. They became the parents of three children: Judi, Loren, and Brenda, and enjoyed 65 years together before Bernie’s passing in 2013.

    Over the years, Ruth and Bernie had farmed together at three different locations, with Melvin, Iowa being the longest and the most recent. While managing the role of a farmwife, Ruth also had several different jobs off the farm. Her favorite and longest held position was that of a CNA at different nursing homes in the area. She always enjoyed working with the residents and they were appreciative of her kind and caring nature, often asking her when she was scheduled to be there again.

    Ruth was an avid reader and was gifted with a beautiful singing voice, but her most notable talent was that of a seamstress; creating anything from beautiful wedding dresses to winter coats. She also enjoyed crocheting and made each of her grandchildren a keepsake blanket as well as several baby outfits. Among all her accomplishments, Ruth’s greatest treasures were her children and grandchildren. She was proud of each of them and loved them dearly, checking on them often to make sure all was well and they were doing okay.

    On Friday, September 8, 2023, Ruth passed from this life at Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn, Iowa at the age of 94 years.

    Left to cherish her memory are her children: Judi Reed (Roger) of Blaine, Minnesota, Loren Den Beste (Kim), and Brenda Timmons (Phil) of Melvin, Iowa; three grandchildren: Stephanie Reed of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Brad Timmons of Brookings, South Dakota, and Bridget Raveling (Michael) of Harris, Iowa; three great-grandchildren: Mason Eledge, Connor Raveling, and Kallie Raveling; other relatives and friends.