Ruth Jean Lightner Hastings Brown

Born in Aberdeen, South Dakota on June 11, 1917
Departed on April 8, 2009. Resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Memorial

Ruth Jean Lightner Hastings Brown passed away on April 8, 2009 after suffering a stroke at her Cottage Grove Place apartment in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Ruth was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota to Dean Howard Lightner and Grace Herreid Lightner on June 11, 1917. She finished her last two years of high school in Brookings, South Dakota, and graduated from Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio in 1938 with a degree in English Literature. Ruth’s parents and brother were also alumni of Oberlin College. Prior to her marriage, Ruth worked for Northwest Bank in Mason City, Iowa, and for Chase Manhattan Bank and Lord & Taylor in New York City.

Ruth married Charles Albert Hastings of Garner, Iowa, on June 6, 1941 in Mason City. After his Pacific PT Boat service in World War II, they lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where Chuck became a partner at Elliott, Shuttleworth and Ingersoll. Ruth and Chuck were avid Hawkeye fans, enjoyed bridge, vacationed in Colorado, and shared fine French wines with friends. Shortly before their 32nd anniversary Chuck passed away in April 1973.

On February 23, 1989 Ruth married John R. Brown of Short Hills, New Jersey in Pompano Beach, Florida. Ruth treasured John’s companionship, admired his computer expertise and enjoyed worldwide travel with him. They lived many years in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Delray Beach, Florida before John passed away on April 2, 2007.

Ruth was deeply involved in her family and her community. Over the years Ruth volunteered as a Camp Fire Girl leader, with the American Red Cross, on the YWCA Board and as a docent at Brucemore. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Monday League, PEO Chapter HJ and the Cedar Rapids Country Club. During the 1950’s and 60’s she acted with the Children’s Theater in the Junior League of Cedar Rapids, where in one memorable production she played an adorable, floppy Raggedy Ann. Throughout life she played golf and loved music. Favorite family stories featured Jeffrey, the boxer dog.

Ruth is survived by two daughters, Carolyn Jean Hastings of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Margaret Anne Hastings (Mrs. Frances E.) Quinlan of Newport Beach, California; and three grandchildren: Essel William Bailey III of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Kathryn Hastings Quinlan of New York City and Daniel Fitzpatrick Quinlan of Pacific Beach, California. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her brother, Dean Howard Lightner, Jr., of St. Joseph, Michigan and Meadville, Pennsylvania.

In honor of Ruth’s wishes, no services will be conducted. Her daughters will be holding a reception to honor her life on Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Cottage Grove Place, 2115 First Avenue SE in Oak Hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ruth’s memory to the Greater Cedar Rapids Foundation, the Cedar Rapids Symphony or to a charity of your choice.

Family Gathering