Funeral Services for Ruth Louise Davidson, age 98, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at her home in Prole, IA, will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 30, 2025, at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. Burial will be in the Green Bay Cemetery, Wayne Co., Iowa.

Ruth was born January 9, 1927, in rural Scranton, Greene Co., IA, daughter of Allan Ankeny and Della May (Shannon) Brown.  Ruth was the oldest of 12 children. Ruth married March 10, 1946 at her parent's farm home, Adaza, Greene Co., IA to Raydean Robert Davidson. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1996.

Ruth and Ray purchased farmland in 1950 in Jackson Township, Warren Co., IA residing there until retirement when they moved to a home near Lake Rathbun near Moravia, IA. Ruth returned to the farm residing with son Glen and Melanie following Ray's death in 2003.

Ruth graduated from Capital City Commercial College, Des Moines, IA May 1945.  Ruth was employed as stenographer until the birth of their first child, followed by three more children.  After the four children were older, she was employed in 1960 as stenographer at Bankers Life Company (later renamed Principal Financial Group), Des Moines, IA.  During her career she took short courses at Des Moines Area Community College and at Drake University. Ruth was a charter member of the Des Moines Chapter of the International Word Processing Association, serving as president, secretary, historian, and on numerous committees for both the Des Moines chapter and the International Association. Ruth retired from Principal as Manager in 1993, completing thirty-three years of service.

With her husband Ray, farming included purebred Angus cattle for many years. They sold produce at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers' Market from June into October for 15 years.  Ruth also served as a Sunday school teacher and a 4-H leader.

For many years Ruth and Ray enjoyed downhill and cross-country skiing and ice fishing in Lake Granby close to their little cabin near Winter Park, Colorado.

After full retirement they were "snowbirds" for a few winters in their condo near the ocean in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Ruth was a quilter making more than 100 quilts for marriages, births, family members, friends and veterans.

Ruth diligently researched and proved her family linage and was a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants, Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of American Colonists (DAC) and Daughters of Colonial Wars.  Ruth served as a chapter officer and also as a State Society officer for the DAC.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, nine siblings, husband Ray, eldest daughter Esther Hughes and son-in-law John O'Brien. Ruth is survived by her son Glen Davidson (Melanie), daughters Marie O'Brien and Linda Streeter (Gary), eight grandchildren, numerous great and great-great grandchildren, loving family and friends.

Ruth will be interned in Green Bay Cemetery in Wayne County, Iowa alongside her husband Ray.

We will miss the sparkle in her eyes, her soft-spoken words, quick smile and cheerful laugh.

To sign an online condolence, visit our website at overtonfunerals.com.