Ruth Pothast

Ruth Pothast, 97, of Marshalltown, Iowa, formerly of the Melbourne area, passed away on Tuesday February 17, 2015, at Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center in Marshalltown. The family will be holding a memorial service at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2015, at the Embers Retirement Center Chapel. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be directed to the family to be designated at a later date. For condolences or questions please visit: www.mitchellfh.com . Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Ruth and her family. Phone 641-844-1234. Ruth Jeannette Pothast was born on January 16, 1918, in Maynard, Iowa. She was the daughter of Clyde and Lucy (Walter) Nordyke. She attended school in Maynard and the Marshalltown Community School District graduating with the class of 1935, then she went on to attend Business School. On April 22, 1945, Ruth was united in marriage to Harold William Pothast at the United Methodist Church in Marshalltown, Iowa. She worked for the Farm Surveying Company when initial farm sizes were recorded, and later worked as a bookkeeper for Security State Bank and retired as Deputy County Recorder in Marshalltown. Ruth was a member of the Van Cleve United Church of Christ, Worthy Matron of Eastern Star, President of Van Cleve Women's Fellowship, the Embers Resident Association, 4-H leader, Sunday School teacher, a volunteer librarian, and belonged to many bridge groups. Ruth and Harold farmed near Van Cleve for many years. Left to cherish Ruths memory are her children: Carol Wiedenmann of Marshalltown, Iowa; Marcia Pothast of Lodi California; and Mike Pothast of Melbourne, Iowa. Grandchildren: Eric Pothast, Meri (Shane) Skala, Andrea (Bob) Lutter, David (Yan) Wiedenmann, and Gregg (Lilly) Wiedenmann. Great-grandchildren: Payton, Chase, Gabriel, Kylie, Joshua, Taylor, Justin, Kyle, and Logan; and her brother, Milo Nordyke of Livermore, California. In death, Ruth rejoins her parents, Clyde and Lucy; husband, Harold; and brothers, Milton and Roger.