Memorial

Ruth Christine Pape, 98, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on February 22, 2023, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

She was born 1-13-1925 near New Vienna, Iowa, the daughter of George Neuhaus & Eugenia (Sebers) Neuhaus. 

Ruth was the oldest of 7 children and a trailblazer in her life. She moved to Cedar Rapids in 1947, working as a waitress at the Roosevelt Hotel. She married Richard Pape on January 27, 1948, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna, Iowa. Ruth and Richard farmed near Walker, Iowa before moving to SW Cedar Rapids in 1953 and joining St. Ludmila’s Parish.  Ruth had 4 children, Susan, Thomas, Steven, & Janice. In 1959 she took a job with Square D, where she worked for 17 years. Ruth became a licensed real estate agent; she and Richard began renovating rental properties in Cedar Rapids. When they both retired in 1981, they began wintering in Harlingen, Texas for the next 38 years. Ruth loved dancing, playing cards, traveling, gardening and spending time with family & friends. Being creative, she baked wedding cakes for all four children. She was a person of great Christian faith, values & works.

Richard preceded Ruth in death on 3-7-1994. Ruth would survive him by 29 more years.  Ruth had 13 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and was a family leader to all.  Her visitation will be held Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel on Feb. 27th from 5-8 PM, followed by Mass at St. Jude Catholic Church on Feb. 28th at 10:00 AM; interment at St. Johns Cemetery, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

A Ruth Pape memorial has been set up at Xavier High School, Cedar Rapids.