Ruth Esther Echternach, the daughter of Robert M. and Verna Mae (Timmons) Allen was born June 28, 1928 at Climax, Iowa. She passed away on Friday, April 1, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Society, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 87 years, 9 months and 4 days.

Ruth was raised in Red Oak. During high school, she worked as a telephone operator and in 1947 graduated from Red Oak High School. Following graduation, Ruth continued to live and work in Red Oak until 1955, when she moved to Springfield, Missouri. In 1961, she returned to Red Oak. Ruth was united in marriage to Wayne Echternach on August 31, 1963 in Red Oak. In 1975, they moved to an acreage north of Stanton, making it their home for the next 35 years, when in 2010 they moved to Red Oak. Ruth worked for the Union Carbide Battery Company and Thos. D. Murphy Calendar Company. She loved flowers, both growing them and receiving them. Ruth treasured country life and the peacefulness it provided along with watching various birds feeding on snowy winter days. She enjoyed Friday luncheons with her lady friends and especially, valued spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers: Charles, Robert, Carol "Bud" and Kenneth; and two sisters: Bertha Mae and Helen.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Wayne Echternach of Red Oak, IA; children: Steve Vanderhoof of Springfield, MO; Susan Vanderhoof of Springfield, MO and Lori Fennell and husband Richard of Council Bluffs, IA; six grandchildren: Shana (Jake Iles) Brown of Clarinda, IA; Brandon (Katie Pawol) Davis of Blair, NE; Anthony (Christine) Davis of Sioux Falls, SD; Jessica (Mitchell) Weir of Springfield, MO; Tara (Pete) Raaphorst of Springfield, MO and Todd (Laurie) Vanderhoof of Springfield, MO; nine great-grandchildren; and brother, Donald Allen of Red Oak, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Funeral Service will be held Thursday, April 7, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.

At Faith Community Church, Red Oak, Iowa

Burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak

Rev. David MacDonald, Officiating

Visitation with the family present will be held Wednesday, April 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home, Red Oak.

Memorials may be given to the Ruth Echternach Memorial.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.