Bev Ruckdashel

Beverly Florence Ruckdashel-Nelson passed away on Dec. 10, 2018 in Mesa, Ariz. 

She was the eldest of six children to Elmer and Alice Nelson, born on June 6, 1935 in Clermont, Iowa.

During Beverly’s high school years, she became the number-one soloist in the state of Iowa. She also enjoyed playing volleyball, basketball, singing and playing in the high school band. 

Beverly met Clarence Eugene Ruckdashel at a high school ballgame in 1952. On Oct. 10, 1953 Beverly and Clarence were united as husband and wife. To this union six children were born. 

Beverly drove the John Deere tractors while working alongside Clarence on their farm. 

After moving to Arizona, Beverly worked in mobile home sales and cleaning mobile homes She then learned how to make custom-made curtains, although she never sewed any clothes in her life! She made some beautiful curtains – some were even out of sheets, although you could never tell that!  Beverly was able to be accomplished in life, raising their five children and in the workplace. 

In 1977 they moved to California, where once again she transitioned her career. She worked as a yard guard and then as a secretary of Trona Middle School. 

Beverly and Clarence retired in 2003 and moved back to Arizona to be closer to family. They then went to work for mobile home sales again to have something to do part-time until she got angry and quit the job! 

Beverly stayed active in her life, visiting neighbors, where they loved to play cards and Mexican train dominos. Beverly also enjoyed spending time with her family. 

Beverly was loved by her husband, kids, grandkids and great-grandkids very much! She will be missed and never forgotten!

She is survived by her husband, Clarence Ruckdashel; her children, Janice Kay Disbrow (Ruckdashel), Larry Eugene Ruckdashel, Brenda Lea Fisher (Ruckdashel) and Thomas Wayne (Michelle) Ruckdashel; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and one on the way; siblings Ad (Diane) Nelson and Ardell Fortune (Nelson); and many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Alice Nelson; her children, Marie Lynette Birch (Ruckdashel) and Jerry Eugene Ruckdashel; and her siblings, Bob Nelson, Adrienne Nelson, and Donald Nelson; a grandchild, Jack Christopher Birch; and two great-grandchildren.                      

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 21, 2018 at West Clermont Lutheran Church, Clermont, Iowa with Rev. Phillip Olson as the officiant.

There will be a visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. before services at the church on Friday.

Burial will follow at God’s Acres, Clermont, Iowa.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Clermont, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.         51u51