Ruth Affeldt

Memorial

Ruth Clement Affeldt, 77 of Cedar Rapids died peacefully on December 8, 2020, at the Woodlands in the Meth-Wick Community from complications of Lewy Body Dementia.  Due to the COVID pandemic, services will be held at a later date.

Ruth was born on October 24, 1943, in Fort Knox, Kentucky, the daughter of Arnold Clement and Margaret Garcher.  She grew up in Cleveland, Ohio.  When she was twelve years old, her mother died, and Ruth raised her younger siblings.  

Ruth attended high school at Nazareth Academy in Cleveland.  She graduated with honors from St. Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  It was at St. Mary’s where she met Jim Affeldt on a blind date.  They were married in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on July 30, 1966.  

After graduating, Ruth moved to Cedar Rapids and began her career in teaching.  She taught at St. Pius grade school and at numerous schools in the Marion Independent, Cedar Rapids Community, and Linn Mar school districts.  She earned the respect and admiration of her fellow teachers, administration staff, and students.  

Ruth was known by her many friends as “good Ruth”, a well-deserved nickname.  She was a godmother of five godchildren.  She was involved in many social group activities including book clubs, bridge group, golf group, “Fab Five” teacher group, and craft club.  She was a fabulous cook and enjoyed hosting friends and family at dinner parties and holiday celebrations.  She also enjoyed traveling and had many amazing vacations with family and friends.  

She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and sister and she left us with many, many happy memories.  She loved her family more than anything else.  She cherished her time with her grandkids and delighted in reading and playing with them.  She volunteered in many civic activities and organizations.  She was instrumental in assisting the flood relief program in 2008.  She coordinated arrangements for Notre Dame students to assist in the flood cleanup process.  Because of her efforts and those of many others, the IC/CR Notre Dame alumni club was awarded the club of the year and Ruth and Jim celebrated with Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly at a commemorative luncheon.  

Ruth is survived by her husband, Jim, their children Sarah Hamilton (Chad) and Emily Patel (Nimesh), five grandchildren (Emma, Brady, Peter, Evan, and Molly) and five siblings (Michael Clement, Mary Clement, Gail Clement, Laura King, and Kate Velich), and several cousins.    She was preceded in death by her mother and father.  

The family wants to thank the staff and administration at Meth-Wick for the kind and wonderful care they gave Ruth over the last four years.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Community Health Free Clinic (https://www.communityhfc.org/) or the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/).