Mary Lee Ruble, 78, of Sergeant Bluff, IA, passed away surrounded by her family on May 19, 2025 at a local hospital.  A memorial service will be held Friday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m. at Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church, a continued time of food and fellowship will be held following the funeral, at Elevate Church in Sergeant Bluff.  Visitation will be Thursday from 4-7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. at the church.  For the visitation, the family requests that you wear Iowa State University attire.  Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sergeant Bluff.

Born Mary Lee Cartmell to Clifford & Ila Cartmell on January 3, 1947 in Sioux City, Iowa. Mary grew up in Blencoe, Iowa and would spend most of her childhood time with her sister Sherri and her best friend Janet. She spent her summers roller skating down the road in her town of 250 people, riding bikes and getting lost in cornfields. She graduated from West Monona High School in 1965 and was a part of the state championship basketball team in 1964. She went on to attend Iowa State University. She graduated in 1969 with her degree in early childhood education and was a lifelong devout Cyclones fan.

Mary lived a wonderful and vibrant life. She and Jim were married on August 24, 1968. They enjoyed 52 years of marriage before Jim passed in 2020. During their 52 years together, they traveled often, usually involving something with golf, Disney, or Hawaii. During their retirement years they enjoyed snow birding in Arizona. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2018 by taking a trip to Coeur d’Alene Idaho with the entire family. She always said that Jim was her very best friend.

Mary primarily taught 5th grade for 30 years, retiring in 2006. The lives she touched with her kind words and compassionate teachings were endless.

Mary was always the life of the party. She was often known to be the one to start and close a party. She will be remembered for her quirky sayings and funny jokes, often leaving people in tears of laughter. From a very young age, Mary, often accompanied by her childhood best friend Janet, made people laugh with their silly jokes and funny pranks.

The tight-knit group of dear friends  she and Jim shared were an integral part of her life. She created so many lasting memories and her loss will be palpable in the community.

Mary had 2 daughters, Heidi & Heather and 6 grandchildren, Myranda (Mo), Kelsi, Madison, Cassidy, Alexandria, and Libby. She was thrilled to finally have a few boys in the family when Myranda had Luke and Cole, her 2 great-grandchildren. She was a beloved Nana Ru to all who knew her.

She is survived by a sister, Sherri, her daughters Heidi (Tien) and Heather (Terry), her 6 grandchildren, Myranda (Brock), Kelsi, Madison, Cassidy, Alexandria, and Libby. As well as her 2 great-grandchildren, Luke & Cole.

She was loved by many, and will be missed by all.