Obituaries : Ruth Primrose

Ruth Primrose, 78, of Shellsburg, died Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Corridor Crossing Place in Cedar Rapids. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Vinton, with Father Jim Brokman as Celebrant. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the church, on Friday, January 24. Burial will take place at a later date. Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home is caring for Ruth's family.

Ruth Ann Kellner was born May 23, 1946, at home in Bode, Iowa, to Cyril and Adella (Hildman) Kellner. She attended school at St. Joseph's Catholic School in St. Joseph, Iowa, and graduated in 1964 from Garrigan High School in Algona, Iowa. Following graduation, she moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she attended the Academy of Automation, graduating in 1965. It was during her time in Cedar Rapids that she met Carroll Primrose, whom she married on November 18, 1967, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in St. Joseph. During her working years, Ruth was employed as a key punch operator for Collins Radio and the Cedar Rapids School System. In 1974, she established a daycare in her home, becoming a registered daycare provider which she managed until 1994. During this time, she also devoted herself to raising her and Carroll's four children.

When not working at her daycare or raising her family, Ruth found time to support her community, particularly in education. She served as President of the Shellsburg High School Band Parents, Vice President of the Shellsburg PTA, and as a member of the Shellsburg School Board. Ruth also played a role as Co-Chair on the naming committee during the merger of the Vinton and Shellsburg school districts. Additionally, she served as Treasurer of her investment club and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vinton.

Ruth lived a life of faith, raising her family on the farm and ensuring they were brought up with strong values. She was no stranger to hard work and instilled this ethic in her children. Ruth's boundless curiosity and love for finding a bargain were evident in her enthusiasm for sales and garage sales, where she relished the thrill of "getting a deal." Her greatest joy, however, came from spending time with her family. Whether hosting her children for holidays or enjoying card games with her siblings, Ruth's family always brought her the biggest smiles.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 57 years, Carroll Primrose of Shellsburg; her four children, Brian (Ginger) Primrose of Nevada; Brenda (Lynn) Ochiltree of Wilton; Brad (Heidi) Primrose of Palo; Beth (Mike) Kennedy of Cedar Rapids; and eight grandchildren: Megan, Katie, Haley, and Emma Primrose; Olivia, William, and Alexis Primrose; and Christian Ochiltree, 2 step-grandchildren, Michaela and Noah Kennedy.

Ruth is further survived by siblings: Sr. Marcine Kellner, Edward (Louise) Kellner, Thomas (Joan) Kellner, Marilyn Spencer, Cyrilla (Frank) Everett, James (Ruth) Kellner, Luke (Sharon) Kellner, Donna (Dave) Salz, George (Susan) Kellner, Karla (Dan) McKibban, Marcine (Tim Tokars) Schoo, Susan (Dean) Lallier; a brother-in-law, Bruce Primrose; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Ruth will be reunited with her parents and brother, Glen Kellner.

A special thank you to Corridor Crossing Place and all who helped care for Ruthie during her final years. Also, thanks to Essence of Life Hospice for their care in her final days.

Memorials can be directed to St. Mary Catholic Church and/or Corridor Crossing Place Activity Fund.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.