Ruth Ann Mortensen

Ruth Ann Soll was born on March 30th, 1941, to Arnold & Alma Soll in Manilla, IA. She attended country school until she transferred to Elk-Horn-Kimballton School where she graduated in 1959.

On August 18th, 1960, Ruth married John Smith. To this union, 4 children were born: Ronald, Steven, Jo Ann & Troy. She was widowed in 1967. She raised her children with a firm hand and lots of love.

Ruth married Butch Mortensen on February 14th, 1996. Butch brought 2 daughters to this union: Robin & Patty.

She retired from the Shelby County Sheriff's Department in 2013. In 2015, her husband Butch passed away. Ruth enjoyed her retirement with family, friends, and many activities.

Ruth passed away peacefully on October 27th, 2025, at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa, attaining the age of 84 years, 6 months, and 27 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold & Alma Soll; husbands, John Smith and Butch Mortensen; son, Steven Smith and his wife, Cindy Smith; a brother Ronald Soll, and her nephews; Mark and Rod Soll.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Ron (Donna) Smith of Clarksville, TN., Jo Ann (Steve) Brown of Elk Horn, IA., Troy (Laura) Smith of Elk Horn, IA., Robin Smith of Fairhope, AL., Patty Ginder (Andy) of Fairhope, AL., 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 13-great-great-grandchildren, siblings, Richard "Dick" Soll of Elk Horn, IA., Robert "Bob" (Darlene) Soll of Audubon, IA., Michael "Mick" (Gloria) Soll of Missoula, MT.; other relatives and many friends.

A burial will be held at a later date at Shelby Cemetery in Shelby, Iowa.