Ruth Anna Meehan

Ruth Ann Meehan, a life-long resident of Marcus, passed away on Sunday afternoon, January 20, at the age of 96, surrounded by members of her family. She fell asleep peacefully in Jesus her Good Shepherd whom she served and followed throughout her life. Ruth Ann was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a faithful Christian woman.

Ruth Anna Edna (Ohlendorf) Meehan was born on December 11, 1922, at the home of her parents, Henry and Anna (Kirchoff) Ohlendorf. She was born into a large family, and was surrounded by many extended family members while growing up. She was baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection on February 4, 1923 by Rev. A.C. Ilten, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, at the family home south of Marcus. The youngest of twelve children, Ruth Ann attended country school in Amherst Township through the eighth grade, and attended Confirmation school at Trinity Lutheran Church. She affirmed her Baptismal vows in the Rite of Confirmation on March 21, 1937 at Trinity Lutheran Church and was confirmed by Rev. E.L. Wittkop. Ruth Ann graduated from Marcus High School in 1941, and moved with her parents into Marcus. For a number of years prior to marriage, she worked at the West Iowa Telephone Exchange as an operator and enjoyed her time there with her co-workers. Ruth Ann was an avid softball player and pitched for the Marcus young women’s softball team.

Ruth Ann Ohlendorf was united in marriage to John Francis (Hans) Meehan, son of John and Margaret (McClintock) Meehan, on April 16, 1955 at Peace Lutheran Church in Marcus. They were blessed with four children: Kathleen Meehan, Jeanine Meehan, Rev. John Meehan, and Thomas Meehan. Hans and Ruth Ann farmed on the Meehan home place northeast of Marcus for many years before retiring to Marcus. Hans passed away on September 14, 1995.

Ruth Ann will be remembered as a person who loved being outside, in the country as well as in town. She kept active throughout her entire life and enjoyed her family, gardening, flowers, playing piano, word puzzles, and watching game shows and basketball on TV. Ruth Ann was a faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church, as well as the Mary & Martha Society. She also helped with the Braille printing ministry at church. Ruth Ann could be seen on her daily walks around Marcus, and also bowled on an afternoon league team. She took special joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her husband, seven sisters and four brothers. Survivors include her children: Kathleen and special friend, Paul Wiebersch; Jeanine; John (June); and Tom (Susie); twelve grandchildren: Angela (Matt) Gloyd; Alecia (Steven) Regennitter; Amanda (Jon) Schreier; Ciara Miller and special friend, Spencer Snyder; Julianne (Dan) Thompson; Jacob Meehan; Mary Catherine Meehan; Caroline Meehan; Johanna Meehan; Alison Meehan; Rachael Meehan; and Sarah Meehan; and nine great-grandchildren: Reise, Logan, Jorja, Madilyn, Colton, Paris, Brooklyn, Owen, and Kylie. Also surviving are numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as friends and neighbors.

 "I am the resurrection and the life,” says the Lord. “He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.” (John 11:25-26).

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Marcus, Iowa.

The family requests memorials be made to Peace Lutheran Church in Marcus.

Pastor Kevin Roop

Jacob Meehan
Matt Gloyd
Steven Regennitter
Dan Thompson
Paul Wiebersch
Bob Warrender

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday and continue with family present until service time at the church.

"How Great Thou Art"
"Beautiful Savior"
"Lift High The Cross"

Marcus Amherst Cemetery
Marcus, Iowa