Memorial
Ruth Janette (Krapf) Bassett, 88, of Cedar Rapids, IA, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Meth-Wick Health Center. Ruth moved into the Meth-Wick community in 2012.
Ruth was born in Independence, Iowa, February 28, 1938, the daughter of Ray and Lurah Krapf. She grew up in Walker and never lost her love for the family farm where she spent her formative years. Ruth often talked about her lifelong bond with her cousin Nancy (Kautz) Carberry whom she remained so closed to throughout her life and with whom she shared so many wonderful memories.
Ruth married Paul Bassett on November 23, 1968. She became mom to Paul’s two children, Kay and Dean. Paul and Ruth enjoyed 20 years together full of love, friends and family. They loved their church and card club friends, square dancing, Iowa State athletics, and were long time supporters of the Emerald Knights.
An Iowa State University graduate, Ruth taught school in Sigourney before teaching in Cedar Rapids starting in 1963. After retiring from teaching in 1985, she became an essential part of the staff of the Linn County History Center. She loved that work and was so dedicated to it that after deciding to step away from her paid position, she came right back as a volunteer. The History Center honored her work by dedicating an administrative office in her name. Anyone who knows of her genealogy projects will understand what a perfect fit she was for The History Center.
Ruth was an active member of Trinity-St. James United Methodist Church, Family and Consumer Sciences groups, PEO Chapter Li, and the Linn County Historical Society.
Ruth lost Paul to a rare heart disease in 1988 and Dean to cancer in 1994. She is survived by her stepdaughter, Kay Bassett McElrath and her wife Sue Weir who live in San Diego and beloved cousins near and far.
A Memorial service will be held at Trinity-St. James United Methodist Church on April 30, 2026 beginning at 11 am followed by a brief reception at the church. There will be no visitation. A private graveside service will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Linn County Historical Society, located at 800 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa or Trinity-St. James United Methodist Church, located at 1420 Ellis Blvd. NW Cedar Rapids, Iowa.