LYON, Ruth E.

LYON, Ruth E. (DeWitt, IA-- ). Ruth was the third child of four to be born to Dr. Frank F. and Alice Benson. Ruth graduated from the DeWitt Community Schools and entered the University of Northern Iowa where she majored in vocal music-education. She was a member of the University of Northern Iowa Chorale which traveled extensively in Iowa performing in communities and publicizing the quality of instruction at the university. She was also a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She met Randolph W. LYON their first year in college. Married their senior year, they lived in married student housing. Upon graduation and while her husband was beginning work on his master's degree, Ruth accepted a teaching position at Janesville, Iowa. She taught music for kindergarten through senior high students. In addition to music programs at the school, Ruth accompanied students to regional musical performances at Luther College.

In 1972 both Ruth and Randy accepted teaching positions in the DUBUQUE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT. Ruth taught music at Sageville Elementary School and PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. Driving between the schools occurred during the time she was scheduled for lunch. This led to her need to unwrap a sandwich and eat it in the car while at a stop light. She regularly planned music programs for the parents to attend and amazed her classes by playing guitar and piano. She stopped teaching after the birth of their first daughter, Christine.

Occasional babysitters made it possible for Ruth to become a member of a women's musical group, the Choraleers, which performed at civic functions. She and Randy took bridge lessons. They both enjoyed the years of membership in the D.E.A. (Dubuque Education Association) Bridge Club where couples, with at least one being a teacher, took turns opening their homes for an evening of cards. Ruth also managed to attend a few card games at noon with other ladies at the Chateau Supper Club. She became a member of the Christian Women's Club.

As the girls grew, Ruth was able to become an active member of many clubs and organizations in the community including Y Women, P.E.O., Quilters Guild, Embroiders Guild, and Lace Guild. She generally held an office and was often the president. She became a Girl Scout leader. As her interest in needlework developed, she joined other members in attending national conventions. Examples of her work received many awards.

Ruth joined the vocal and bell choirs of FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST. When the opportunity presented itself, she accepted the directorship of both choirs and held the positions for twenty-five years. Ruth used her teaching experience to begin a children's bell choir teaching them how to read music and play handbells. She traveled with them and their parents to training sessions instate and out-of-state. She regularly traveled to national meetings of composers to choose new music for the coming year. Annually for many years, the church's two choirs under her direction presented a cantata at Easter.

Travel always played an important role in the family. Looking for fun and informative sites, the family managed to reach most of the continental United States and had several trips to Europe. Randy and Ruth missed their 50th anniversary trip to Alaska due to Covid, but made it up in the summer of 2024.

Ruth's deep love for the groups of which she was a member was nothing compared to her pure joy in being--Mom. The success of her daughters in their marriages and work was a daily source of fulfillment. Their visits home never came too often nor lasted long enough. Trips to the newest craft shop led to snacks at a favorite restaurant and more discussions. Motherhood was Ruth's dream come true. And then Ruth's life became even more blessed with her new role--Grandma. The birth of a grandson and granddaughter were endless sources of absolute joy. She taught many of her needlework skills to her granddaughter and was her grandson's biggest cheerleader (after his grandfather) on his fishing. Their kindness and respect for others made her smile radiate.

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Source:

Personal notes from the family.