Ruth Ann Winkelpleck of Dysart passed away on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Sunrise Hill Care Center in Traer at the age of 85.

Born on December 14, 1940, to Louis and Mildred (Mochal) Saver, Ruth was born and raised in Clutier and was a proud 1958 graduate of Clutier High School. Her faith remained an important part of her life, and she was a devoted member of Clutier Community Church, where she served for many years as the church organist. She was also known as a prayer warrior; if someone asked Ruth to pray for them, she made certain that she did.

Ruth’s love story with Larry Winkelpleck became a cherished part of her family’s history. One night at the EUB church, a young Larry approached her, and Ruth quickly made her exit, spinning her wheels as she left. Larry was not discouraged, and before long the rest was history. He arrived for their first date in a 1962 Oldsmobile that still sits in the garage at the farm today. Ruth and Larry were married on February 20, 1965, and together they built a life on the west edge of Dysart, where they farmed and raised their two sons, Larry Jr. and Jon.

Ruth took deep pride in caring for her home and her family. She made sure her boys were looked after, and she was always preparing meals and taking them out to the fields so no one went hungry. She and Larry shared 60 glorious and loving years together, a partnership marked by devotion, steadiness, and love. Larry’s death in March of 2025 was a profound loss after a lifetime shared side by side.

After her sons were grown, Ruth began work as a postal clerk for the post offices in Dysart and Tama, an accomplishment of which she was very proud. She was a simple lady whose joys were found in the people and places she loved. She enjoyed traveling with Larry to the Amana Colonies for dinner and seeing wherever the road might take them. She loved to shop, especially at Dillard’s and Von Maur, and she found happiness in tending her flower garden and enjoying the beauty of her flowers.

Ruth also had a tender heart for animals, especially dogs. Denver, the beloved dog she and Larry cherished like a son, was a constant companion to them both and a special comfort to Ruth after Larry’s passing. Denver also passed away this year.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Larry Winkelpleck; her parents, Louis and Mildred Saver; her parents-in-law, Ralph and Emma Winkelpleck; her sisters-in-law, Violet Mossman and Dorothy Yates; her nephew, James Mossman; and her beloved companion, Denver.

Ruth’s memory will be treasured by her family, who were the center of her life. She is survived by her two sons, Larry and Donita Winkelpleck of Clutier, and Jon and Suzanne Winkelpleck of Dysart. She also leaves six grandchildren, Zach and Jaci Winkelpleck, Sophie and Micale Robeson, Emma and Karter Faust, and Gracie, Luke, and Easton Winkelpleck. Her family continued to grow with the joy of her great-grandson, Meyer Winkelpleck, and another great-grandchild on the way. She is also lovingly remembered by her niece, Susan Presha of Orlando, Florida; her nephew, Steve Burk of Sugar Hill, Georgia; and her great-nephew, Brian Mossman of Cedar Falls. Their lives carry forward the love, care, and faithful presence that Ruth gave so generously.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Overton Funeral Home in Dysart. Funeral services will take place on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Clutier Community Church in Clutier. There will be no visitation prior to the service on Monday.

Ruth Ann Winkelpleck will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her loving care for her family, her warm and giving heart, and the quiet strength with which she lived her life. She leaves behind a legacy of love, prayer, and devotion that will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.