Ruth Agnes Bonnell was born July 11, 1920, in Carroll, Iowa, the daughter of David Earl and Rose Agnes (Daniel) Duckett. Ruth graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1938 in Fort Dodge. Dwayne Bonnell and Ruth were married Nov. 16, 1945, at his parents home in Wauseon, Ohio, after he returned from serving in the Navy in World War II.
They had two daughters, Jody and Bonny. They lived in West Des Moines for 32 years before moving to Mesa, Arizona, after Dwayne retired as an electrical engineer for Northwestern Bell in 1976.
They camped and travelled extensively. They especially loved the Black Hills. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, and canning, cooking, bowling, volunteering for multiple committees and golfing. She especially enjoyed ballroom dancing with her husband. She was a devoted mother, wife and friend.
Ruth with her daughter Bonny, moved back to Iowa after Dwayne’s passing in 2005 to be close to daughter Jody and her family.
She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Richmond and St. James Catholic Church in Washington.
Ruth passed away in her sleep on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021, at Halcyon House in Washington at the age of 101 years.
Ruth is survived by two daughters: Jody (Charles) Rogness of Richmond and Bonny Bonnell of Washington; two grandchildren: Amy Elisabeth (Jason) Sayer of Colorado Springs and Jennifer Joy (John) Bush of Richmond; and a great-granddaughter: Erika Sayer.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Dwayne; parents; a brother: Othello Duckett; and a sister: Alma Whipple.
A graveside service will be held at a later date.
A memorial fund has been established for Hospice of Compassus. Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona is caring for Ruth and her family. Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
