Obituary of Ruth Ann Back

    Ruth Ann Back, daughter of Andes E. and Sally (Debo) Simpson, was born September 11, 1935 at Winters, Texas. She lived her youth in the Winters area and attended school there. Following high school graduation, Ruth furthered her education at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas for one year.

    On August 7, 1955, she was united in marriage to Peter William Back at the airbase in Fort Worth, Texas. In April of 1956, they moved to the Hartley, Iowa area where they raised their family. Ruth was able to be a stay-at-home-Mom and took great pleasure taking care of the needs of her growing children: Peter, Sherwin, Chris, and Judy. Once the kids were in school, she found employment at Veneer Mill and later, at JoAnn Fabrics both in Spencer, Iowa, retiring in 1997.

    With all the school activities, maintaining a household as well as working, there was little time for quiet pleasures. When she could, Ruth enjoyed getting lost in a book or spending a few hours sewing. She liked to shop - especially going antiquing in search of precious collectibles! Ruth also enjoyed working at the Clay County Fair in Spencer for many years. Still, the time she treasured most was that spent with her family and all the grandchildren.

    Ruth was a member of the Hartley Legion Auxiliary and the Hartley United Methodist Church where she participated in the Women's Circle. On Monday, March 5, 2018, Ruth passed from this life at the age of 82 years.

    Preceding her in death were her parents, Andes and Sally Simpson; seven of her brothers and sisters: Andes Emmet, Mildred Julia, Eppa Alexander, Dorthy Sue, Robert Charles, Dayton E., and Gary Debo.

    Left to Cherish her memory are her husband, Peter W. Back of Hartley, Iowa; four children and their spouses: Peter K. and his wife, Ingrid Back of Crown Point, Indiana, Sherwin and his wife, LeeAnn Back of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, Chris and his wife, Alice Back of Riceville, Iowa, Judy and her husband, Ronald Moss of Arleta, California; 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; one sister, Imogene "Jeanne" Scroggins of Castro Valley, California; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life

Ruth Ann Back

Born ~ September 11, 1935

Died ~ March 5, 2018

Age ~ 82 years    5 months    12 days

Funeral Service

Friday, March 9, 2018 ~ 10:30 a.m.

United Methodist Church  

Hartley, Iowa

Clergy ~ Pastor Paul Frederiksen

Pianist ~ Jessica Contreras

Musical Tribute

Jessica Contreras

"It Is Well With My Soul"

Congregational Singing

Processional ~ "How Great Thou Art"  #77

Recessional ~ "What A Friend We Have In Jesus"  #526

Pallbearers

Jordan Back    Jacob Back    Samuel Back

Marshall Back    Tyler Back    Ron Moss

Honorary Pallbearers

Anna Knode    Jessica Contreras    Lauren Back    Nadia Moss

Clara Syverson    Molly Anderson    Claudia Tumaliuan

Ushers

Larry Espey  ~  Dave Christenson

Interment

Pleasant View Cemetery

Hartley, Iowa