Obituaries : Ruth C. Squiers

Ruth C. Squiers, 105, of Belle Plaine, IA passed away September 14, 2025 at Belle Plaine Specialty Care. 

Ruth was born September, 24, 1919 to Joseph and Anna (Schallau) Fitzgerald. Ruth and her nine siblings were raised in rural Benton County, learning the value of hard work as a farming family. She graduated high school by the age of 15 and went to work for the Lincoln Café until she turned 18 and was able to teach country school. 

On February 18, 1939, Ruth married the love of her life, Richard Squiers at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Belle Plaine. Together they started their family in Belle Plaine. They moved to Cresco and multiple other Iowa towns before returning home to Belle Plaine in 1966. In 1967 at the age of 50 Richard passed away. 

Ruth was a strong, independent provider for her family, working many jobs including HACAP, serving families as a nanny, Beal’s Café’, DJ’s Steakhouse and most recently at the Belle Plaine Community Center as Volunteer Director; until retiring at the age of 89. 

Ruth was a talented seamstress, making many of her children’s clothes, and dresses. She enjoyed crafts, baking and cooking. Grandkids looked forward to the pinata made by “Grandma Santa” every Christmas. And expecting it or not a full course meal was always ready when visiting Ruth. 

Ruth was a selfless servant, and neighborhood “mom” to all. Her door was always open giving everything she had and more. Ruth was all about family and treated everyone as family. She was kind, nurturing and always present. She was a joy to be around, from her quotes like “Anybody live in this tavern?”, too many more as she aged, Ruth could always make you smile. 

Ruth was devoted in her faith, as a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Belle Plaine, spending many hours serving her parish. 

She is survived by her children, David Squiers, Susan (Jim) Berger, Jim (Linda) Squiers, Mary (Steve) Young, Tom (Sue) Squiers, Tim (Tam) Squiers; daughters-in-law, Julie and Ardy Squiers; 35 grandchildren, 94 great-grandchildren, and many great-great-grandchildren. 

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard; sons, Richard and Joseph; daughter-in-law, Linda Squiers; grandchildren, Becky and Bobbie Jo Berger; and her 9 siblings.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 18, 2025 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Belle Plaine with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine. Memorials may be directed to Essence of Life Hospice or St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com