Ruth Crane
December 19, 1939 ~ March 26, 2018
Ruth Crane, 78, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Monday, March 26, 2018, at Cottage Grove Place. Mass of Christian Burial: 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Reverend Steve Garner. Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Monday, April 2, 2018, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a Rosary Service beginning at 7 p.m. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include her children, David (Gail) Crane and Mary Jo Crane; son-in-law, Doug Phillips; grandchildren, Tara Crane, Lauren and Anna Netz, and Drew and Brenden Phillips; siblings, Sue (Greg) Schulte and Dave (Pat) Upah; nieces and nephews, Keely Upah Khan, Jason Upah, and Trevor Schulte; and many extended family and friends.
Ruth Ann Upah was born December 19, 1939, to Louis and Esther (Robshaw) Upah, in Elberon, Iowa. She graduated from St. Patrick's High School, and later attended Kirkwood, graduating in 1987. She worked in Armstrong's music department, where she met Tom Crane. They married and raised their family in many parts of Iowa including Shenandoah and Cedar Rapids. Ruth later became a medical assistant and phlebotomist at Mercy Medical Center. She was a long-time member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, enjoyed gardening and digging in the dirt, oil painting, and over-wintering in Arizona. She especially cherished spending time with her family and beloved grandchildren, taking them bowling on the weekends, exploring nature, and never allowed a dull moment while in their company. She was a selfless and loving person, and will be missed by many.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and daughter, Amy Phillips.
Ruth's family would like to extend a special thank you for the care and compassion shown by the Cottage Grove staff.
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I’m sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing, altho I’ve only known her a short time from cleaning her home, I enjoyed her wisdom and sense of humor.
With much love from Arizona Jason, Claudia, Nadia, and Ethan miss and love Aunt Ruth.
Ruth was proof, in my opinion, that some people are born with an artistic talent. I’ve never known anyone, personally, that could paint as well as Aunt Ruth. She made it seem easy. Maybe it was to her. But her oil painting amazed me. I don’t know how she did it, but simply amazing.
That said, her generous, caring, humble, and genuinely loving heart was even bigger than her artistic talent.
Love JNCe
Doug,
I’m so very sorry about your mother in-law. She was the friendliest and best blood drawer there ever was. She did mine so many times, never had to poke me twice. We always talked about you and Amy. She was special, glad you had her as a mother in-law.
My sympathy,
Annamae Baker
More love from Arizona. Ruth, G’ma Esther Upah, and I used to play scrabble until the wee hours of the morning several times a year. She was so competitive and so was G’ma Esther. Our games lasted hours. It was so much fun. I’ll never forget Ruth and all the good times we shared when our kids, Jason, Keely, Amy, Mary Jo, David, Trent and Trevor, were growing up. The cousins had the best time and so did the moms. Rest In Peace, Ruth. We will miss you. Love, Bev & Jerry Spilman
I am saddened to the loss of Ruth. I knew her from her work at the Mercy Medical Center. She was wonderful. She was a blessing in my life … my life certainly has been better for having met her. To all the family and friends, you will be in my thoughts and prayers!
Ed and I loved Ruth and missed her when she left Shenandoah. Then after we moved to Urbandale,, we got to go visit ….but not often enough. She will remain in our hearts the lovely, kind and generous woman she always was. And we treasure the memories of her humor, as well. She was a special lady. We send wishes of Peace to her entire family. David and Mary Jo. We are thinking of you two “kids” . .With Love, Marcia and Ed Anderson
So sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. I have many fond memories of time spent at your house and with you David and Mary Jo and Amy too. She was a very sweet lady.
Sincere sympathy, Lynette (Carnagey) Johnson