Norma Helene Ruhs

Norma Helene Ruhs, the daughter of David H. and Ethel C. Mullenger Christensen, was born April 7, 1926, at her family home in Hamlin Township, Audubon County, Iowa and died July 10, 2009, at the Friendship Home in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 83 years, 3 months, and 3 days.
Norma was baptized and confirmed at the Hamlin Lutheran Church in Hamlin, IA. She attended rural schools Hamlin #4 and Hamlin #5 and attended Audubon High School.
On November 18, 1944, she was united in marriage to Robert Byrd Ruhs at the Exira Lutheran Church parsonage. Norma was a homemaker raising her children for many years. While working at the Friendship Home in Audubon, Norma studied and received her Nurses Aid Certification. Robert died June 13, 1980. Norma was employed at the Friendship Home until she retired after working there for over 24 years. During retirement Norma remained active in the community doing volunteer work. Norma enjoyed her home then moved to the Friendship Home in May of 2008.
Norma was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Audubon. She was involved with the youth groups, taught Sunday school, was on the church board and a confirmation mentor. She made her Cursillo in 1979. Norma was a faithful member of the Bible Study. She was an active member of the United Methodist women and received the UMW mission pin. She was a Cub Scout leader, and was on the Elderbridge and Good Neighbor Council.
The most important elements in her life were her family and faith.
Preceding her in death in addition to her husband Robert; were her granddaughter: Ruth Hansen and great-granddaughter Morgan Borkowski; her parents; her brothers: Daniel and wife Hazel Christensen, Grant and wife Clara Christensen, Luther Christensen, Elbert and wife Geneva Christensen and Frank Christensen; her sister: Mary Christensen, her in-laws: Maude and Fred Campbell, Pearl and Dolliver Dawson, Carlos and Olive Ruhs, Esther and Hans Aagaard, John (Fritz) and Orpha Ruhs and Hilda Ruhs.
Survivors include her children: Carol Jo Ann and husband Emmert Hansen of Blue Springs, MO, Robert and wife Judy Ruhs of Altoona, WI, Donna and husband Robert Rugaard of Audubon, IA, Annette and husband David Kruse of Guthrie Center, IA, John and wife Amy Ruhs of Rock Springs, WY; her grandchildren: Darci McCracken and husband Kerry Warren of St. Louis, MO; Richard and wife Cathy Hansen of Ft. Stewart, GA, Andrew and wife Kelli Hansen of Austin, TX; Jere Anne and husband Mick Merrill of Mason City, IA; Bobbi Jo and husband John Hoffmann of Buford, GA; Kevin and wife Jill Rugaard of Creston, IA; Thomas and wife Mandy Rugaard of Parachute, CO, and Daniel Rugaard of Hamlin, IA, Mary Jo Borkowski and special friend Terrill Burger of Audubon, IA, Sarah and husband Joseph Svejda of Atkins, IA, Samuel Kruse and Scott Kruse, both of Guthrie Center, IA, JessicaBraden, Judy Ruhs, and Jody Ruhs, all of Parma, Idaho, Cherry and husband Craig Coy of Kingman, Arizona, Carla and husband James Jensen of Idaho, Alexis Mann of Las Vegas, NV, Shelby Ruhs of Rock Springs, WY; 34 great grandchildren, her brother: Chester Christensen of Audubon, IA her sisters-in-law: Sara Christensen of Audubon, IA, Wilma Christensen of Underwood, IA; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorials:
Memorials are preferred to the First United Methodist Church in Audubon, Iowa, the Friendship Home in Audubon, and Iowa Hospice.

Cemetery:
Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon, Iowa

Visitation:
The Family will meet with friends Monday evening, July 13, 2009 at 6:30 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa

Service:
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Steven Frock and Norma's daughter Pastor Annette Ruhs Kruse on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 10:30 A.M. atthe First United Methodist Church in Audubon, Iowa