RUTH BUDDENHAGEN

Ruth (Erps) Buddenhagen, 89, of Ankeny, formerly of Humboldt, went to be with the Lord on June 7, 2026. Ruth was the daughter of Edward and Ellen (Axford) Erps of Arcadia. She was born July 6, 1936 at home on the family farm where she joined her mom, dad, Grandma Axford and her four siblings. She attended and graduated from Arcadia High School in 1953 and attended Buena Vista College (now University) where she met her future husband, James Buddenhagen. Jim and Ruth were united in marriage at the Arcadia Presbyterian Church on June 10, 1955. Jim and Ruth lived in various locations during Jim’s military service and teaching career. They had three children: Craig, Susan, and Julie. In 1968, they settled in Alta, and later moved to Humboldt in 1977. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Ruth was the site manager for the local Meals on Wheels and Congregate Meals, later she transitioned to working for Humboldt Mutual until she retired in 1998. In her younger years Ruth enjoyed cooking and baking, playing bridge, square dancing, going to coffee with her friends, attending TOPS meetings, completing puzzles and spending time with family and friends.
After Jim’s passing, Ruth decided to relocate to Mill Pond Presbyterian Homes in Ankeny, to be closer to her three adult children.
She is survived by her three children: Craig Buddenhagen, Susan Krantz, and Julie (Chris) Hartzler all from Ankeny. Grandchildren: Amanda Krantz and fiancé Brett Danilson (Forest City, CA), Michael (Shayla) Krantz (Le Mars), Abigail Hartzler (Iowa City), and Andrew Hartzler (Ankeny). Great grandchildren: Lauren and Chase Krantz (Le Mars) and Maeve Danilson (Forest City, CA). Brother-in-law and sister-in-law: David and Chris Buddenhagen, and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
The family would like to thank the nurses, CNAs, and other staff members at Mill Pond for their wonderful care. She had good friends and excellent care at every level. The family would also like to thank UnityPoint Hospice for their care a few years ago and the last few weeks. Our mom was blessed.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 13 at Zion Lutheran Church in Humboldt. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Memorial gifts should be designated to the Zion Landscaping Fund or the Zion Care Committee.