Ruth J. Stanze

Ruth Janet Stanze, 87, of Marshalltown, IA and formerly of St. Louis, MO, died Sunday November 1, 2009 at Villa Del Sol Nursing Home in Marshalltown. Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7 at the New Saint Marcus Cemetery in St. Louis. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, IA is caring for Ruth and her family, phone 641-844-1234. Ruth was born December 18, 1921, in St. Louis, Missouri to Charles and Regina (Maschmann) Krog. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, she attended Harris Teachers College, graduating in 1943. On May 6, 1944, she married Art Stanze. During WWII, she worked for the Army Map Service in St. Louis; hand inking maps for the military. After the war she became a homemaker until 1971 when her husband died. From 1971 until her retirement in 1986 she ran the family business, Stanze Monument Company, first established in 1885. In retirement, Ruth enjoyed reading and spending time with her three grandchildren. Ruth is preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her sons Art Stanze (Susan) and Dave Stanze (Karla); grandson Eric Stanze (Jessie); granddaughters Rebecca Stanze and Sarah Stanze.