Ruth Backer

Sibley, Iowa Ruth Backer, age 81 of Sibley, Iowa died Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at her home in Sibley. Funeral Services will be at the Tabernacle Baptist Church in George, IA, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2008 with Reverend Bryan Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at the Evergreen Lawn Cemetery in George. Visitation will be Friday, June 13th from 2 -8 p.m. with family present from 6 -8 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley, IA. Ruth Backer was born December 20, 1926 to Lucas and Jennie (Reemstma) Vust in Little Rock, Iowa. She received her education from Elgin Township Country School #4. Ruth continued her education at the Nettleton Business College in Sioux Falls, SD. She worked at Charlies Market in George and then worked for the Osceola County Oil Coop as the bookkeeper for 30 years until her retirement in 1994. On July 19, 1974 she was united in marriage to Ervin Backer. The couple made their home in Sibley, Iowa. Ruth will be remembered as a free spirit and fun loving woman who loved to laugh and had an ever present smile. She was a woman of great faith and Ruth had a deep love for her Lord and her church. She enjoyed singing around the house and most any time; and her songs of choice were usually hymns. Gospel music, especially quartet music was her favorite. She and Ervin attended many concerts of the group, The Ambassadors, of which her brother was a member, and she would soak in every minute of it. Her favorite place to be was among family, which included her church family. Ruth loved children, and working with the kids at the church and spending time with her nieces and nephews over the years was time that she cherished. Many have been blessed to have known her. Ruth saw to it that the local wildlife was always well fed. She enjoyed feeding and watching the birds and squirrels that would visit her home and camping spot at the lake. She and Ervin could often be found at the campground in Okoboji where they spent many wonderful times together. This past Wednesday morning Ruth passed away at her home in Sibley ending their marriage of 33 years. She was a lovely person and will be greatly missed. Ruth is survived by her husband Ervin; sister, Fern Popkes of Sibley; brothers, Fred Vust of Sioux Falls, SD, Louis (Joanne) Vust, and Walter (Margaret ) Vust all of Little Rock, IA; and many nieces and nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucas and Jennie Vust; sister, Mary Klaassen; and brother, Jake Vust; brother-in-law, Lyle Popkes.