Obituary
Ruth Ellen Bagbey, at the age of 72, made her glorious appearance into the kingdom of God on January 5 th , 2023. Ruth is survived by her husband Jim, their four children, Charles Bagbey, Danielle Bagbey, Faith Florez, and Hattie Bagbey; her grandchildren Jaysen Bagbey, Kaylynn Bagbey, Sarah McGrath, Mariana Florez, Mikey Schott, Salina Bagbey, and Myles Bagbey; her sister Joanne Rummans, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Ruth was born on November 5, 1950, in Des Moines Iowa. Ruth lived in Jerusalem as a little girl when her dad was stationed there in the Army. She graduated from Des Moines Lincoln High School in 1968 and later, as a single mom, worked at Younkers where she met many lifelong friends. Ruth met her husband Jim in June of 1974 after his return from an overseas tour in the Army. On February 28 th , 1975, Ruth and Jim were married and would have celebrated their 48 th anniversary next month, a beautiful love story that was strengthened by the grace of their Lord Jesus every year.
Ruth was a constant support to Jim in his endeavor to create a successful State Farm agency that they built together working in the office for 27 years, while being a devoted mother of their four children. She then moved her office duties home to take care of payroll and bookkeeping there while helping with her grand babies. Throughout the years Ruth taught Sunday school and adult Bible studies, and prayerfully encouraged Jim's efforts in evangelism and mission work, as well as providing spiritual andfinancial support to countless missions, ministries, and charitable organizations.
Ruth was known for her deep, soft mom and grandma-like love and loyalty to family and friends. She thought of her grandchildren as her greatest earthly treasures. Ruth was the biggest cheerleader when it came to sports and the many activities Jim, her children, and her grandchildren were involved in. She was especially known for her humorous and dry wit, and playful sarcasm which would sometimes throw new friends for a loop.
Ruth faced challenges with health trials all her life, including several kinds of cancers and numerous surgeries over 30 years. She had a three-fold approach to meet those trials of physical sufferings. First, a fully grounded and unrelenting faith in her Lord Jesus Christ. She trusted His sovereignty no matter the circumstances. Second, her big-hearted love for her family and friends. To know Ruth was to know love. Third, her witty sarcasm and humor which she displayed even in her final days.
Surrounded by loving family, Ruth passed graciously into the arms of the angels who carried her to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Ruth was a child of God who believed that Jesus was the only way, truth, and life and entrance into heaven. Ruth left her earthly body to join those in heaven who went before her. She is preceded in death by her beloved mother Charolette Free, Father Harold Free, Father-in-law Chuck Bagbey, sisters Charlotte and Betty, a child lost in pregnancy, nephew Kyle Bagbey, grandparents, aunts, and uncles along with nieces, nephews and cousins who passed on as believers in Christ Jesus.
Ruth's family, including her church family, invite you to her Life Celebration at the Waukee Community Church 115 N Warrior Lane, Waukee IA 50263, on Thursday, January 19 th at 3 pm, and then afterwards to her Life's Celebration dinner to be held 5:30 to 9:00 PM at Barnes' Place, 20932 350 th St, Adel IA 50003, to enjoy some of Ruth's favorite Italian food from Baratta's Restaurant.
In lieu of flowers please donate to The Alpha Women's Center Home - Alpha Women's Center (awcdesmoines.org), 3605 SE 14 th St Des Moines IA 50320, or Freedom for Youth Center Give -- Freedom for Youth Ministries, 2301 Hickman Rd Des Moines IA 50310. If you prefer to send flowers you may send them in care of the church at the address above. Thank you.
The family would like to give a special heartfelt thank you to our friends at St Croix Hospice. You all were so Loving and Caring for our dear Ruth.
Ruth was born on November 5, 1950, in Des Moines Iowa. Ruth lived in Jerusalem as a little girl when her dad was stationed there in the Army. She graduated from Des Moines Lincoln High School in 1968 and later, as a single mom, worked at Younkers where she met many lifelong friends. Ruth met her husband Jim in June of 1974 after his return from an overseas tour in the Army. On February 28 th , 1975, Ruth and Jim were married and would have celebrated their 48 th anniversary next month, a beautiful love story that was strengthened by the grace of their Lord Jesus every year.
Ruth was a constant support to Jim in his endeavor to create a successful State Farm agency that they built together working in the office for 27 years, while being a devoted mother of their four children. She then moved her office duties home to take care of payroll and bookkeeping there while helping with her grand babies. Throughout the years Ruth taught Sunday school and adult Bible studies, and prayerfully encouraged Jim's efforts in evangelism and mission work, as well as providing spiritual andfinancial support to countless missions, ministries, and charitable organizations.
Ruth was known for her deep, soft mom and grandma-like love and loyalty to family and friends. She thought of her grandchildren as her greatest earthly treasures. Ruth was the biggest cheerleader when it came to sports and the many activities Jim, her children, and her grandchildren were involved in. She was especially known for her humorous and dry wit, and playful sarcasm which would sometimes throw new friends for a loop.
Ruth faced challenges with health trials all her life, including several kinds of cancers and numerous surgeries over 30 years. She had a three-fold approach to meet those trials of physical sufferings. First, a fully grounded and unrelenting faith in her Lord Jesus Christ. She trusted His sovereignty no matter the circumstances. Second, her big-hearted love for her family and friends. To know Ruth was to know love. Third, her witty sarcasm and humor which she displayed even in her final days.
Surrounded by loving family, Ruth passed graciously into the arms of the angels who carried her to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Ruth was a child of God who believed that Jesus was the only way, truth, and life and entrance into heaven. Ruth left her earthly body to join those in heaven who went before her. She is preceded in death by her beloved mother Charolette Free, Father Harold Free, Father-in-law Chuck Bagbey, sisters Charlotte and Betty, a child lost in pregnancy, nephew Kyle Bagbey, grandparents, aunts, and uncles along with nieces, nephews and cousins who passed on as believers in Christ Jesus.
Ruth's family, including her church family, invite you to her Life Celebration at the Waukee Community Church 115 N Warrior Lane, Waukee IA 50263, on Thursday, January 19 th at 3 pm, and then afterwards to her Life's Celebration dinner to be held 5:30 to 9:00 PM at Barnes' Place, 20932 350 th St, Adel IA 50003, to enjoy some of Ruth's favorite Italian food from Baratta's Restaurant.
In lieu of flowers please donate to The Alpha Women's Center Home - Alpha Women's Center (awcdesmoines.org), 3605 SE 14 th St Des Moines IA 50320, or Freedom for Youth Center Give -- Freedom for Youth Ministries, 2301 Hickman Rd Des Moines IA 50310. If you prefer to send flowers you may send them in care of the church at the address above. Thank you.
The family would like to give a special heartfelt thank you to our friends at St Croix Hospice. You all were so Loving and Caring for our dear Ruth.
