Ruth Elizabeth Metz
Born: June 24th, 1928
Died: August 2nd, 2012
Obituary
Ruth Elizabeth Metz, age 84 passed away peacefully Thursday, August 2, 2012 at Great River Medical Center, Klein Unit in Burlington. She was born June 24th, 1928 in Lincoln, Nebraska, reared in Knoxville, Iowa, the only child of Herman Jackson and Florence Wright Oswald. Ruth attended Knoxville High School, Knoxville, Iowa, and was a track team star. She attended the University of Iowa, where she majored in Liberal Arts. Ruth joined Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, and later served as the Kappa Kappa Gamma state-rushing chairman for many years. Ruth was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, and served on the church Angel guild committee. She was a member of the Burlington Fine Arts League, the Hetta Gilbert Society; Burlington Golf Club, New Crystal Lake Club and volunteered for the Des Moines County Republican Party. After meeting William Topping Metz, at the University of Iowa they married, August 19th, 1950 in Minneapolis MN, They began their married life in Iowa City, until Bill graduated from the University of Iowa Law School and moved to St. Louis Mo for a short time. Afterwards they settled in Burlington, where they reared their family. Ruth was an avid reader of the New York Times. She had a passion for history and the fine arts , along with a great appreciation for modern art. She loved to frequent museums, especially the Chicago Art Institute. (AKA ; East Burlington to Ruth). In the spring, she and her loving friends, would set out on mushroom hunts, with a prize for the "big mother" at the end of season. She was extremely talented and creative, and enjoyed needlepointing. Ruth will be remembered for her incredible wit and a quick sense of humor. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband William of Burlington, son John Metz, his wife Heidi, of Mitchellville, Iowa. Two daughters, Elizabeth Soechting, her husband Charles of San Marcos, Texas, and Rachel Metz and fiancé, Carl Harnish, of Naples, Florida. Five Grandchildren, Charles Soechting Jr, and wife Lindsay, Ashley and Caroline Soechting, Selma and William Metz. One great grand daughter Emory Soechting. She is preceded in death by her parents, one infant son, Stephen and infant grandson, Walter. Funeral Services will be held Monday, August 6th, 2012 at 2:00 pm, Christ Episcopal Church. Fr. Wayne Kamm and Deacon George Rogerson will officiate. Interment will be in Aspen Grove cemetery. A Memorial has been established at Christ Episcopal Church.