Ruth Marie (Bothel) Gerndt, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by the warmth and love of her family on September 30, 2026.
Ruth was born to Earl Bothel Sr. and Lorraine (Wilker) Bothel on November 28, 1940 in Ossian, IA. Ruth graduated with the Monona Farmersburg Community School class of 1958.
On August 15, 1964, Ruth married the love of her life, Robert Gerndt, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. Together, they built a life rooted in togetherness and quiet joy, raising four children, Johnnie, Gene, Karen, and Harry. Ruth truly lived for her family and was the most unselfish person imaginable and there was absolutely nothing she wouldn’t do for her family. Over the years, her open heart and generous nature extended well beyond her own household, she opened her heart and home to many children who became a cherished part of the extended Gerndt family. Her kitchen and yard were places of constant comfort and beauty. Ruth loved cooking, and baking alongside her children and grandchildren, she always had everyone’s favorite snack in her kitchen cupboards. She loved any opportunity to support and spoil her grandkids with affection, sweet treats, snacks, and most importantly her undivided attention. Ruth was an avid reader and loved watching baseball, basketball, and football. She found true contentment in the outdoors, whether planting and tending to her beautiful flower gardens with Robert, mowing the grass, pulling weeds or helping Robert with projects around the house. Above all, she treasured simply being outside and spending quality time side by side with her husband. Ruth leaves behind a legacy of love, warm memories and a family deeply blessed by her presence. She was truly an angel walking on earth.
She is lovingly remembered by her children: Gene (Angie) Gerndt, Karen (Andrew) Reichard and Harry (Darcy) Gerndt. Grandchildren: Taylor (Levi) Miles, Katelyn Gerndt & Ayla Gerndt (Caden Kettmann), Robert Reichard (Megan Schleifer), Marissa Reichard, Joshua Reichard (Izzy Strickert), Jade (Noah) Reinhart, and Zoee Gerndt. Great Grandchild - Henry Gene Miles. Along with sister-in-law Jeanie Bothel Chappell, several nieces and nephews, God children- Rebecca (Kit) Rodemeier, Chad Thornton, and Erin Thornton, She was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Robert, oldest son, Johnnie James, parents, Earl and Lorraine Bothel Sr., her siblings, Dorla (Robert) Drahn, Roger (Gloria) Bothel, Curt Bothel, Earl Bothel, Jr, and Bev (Duane) Sawvell, infant brother Richard Bothel, brother-in law-Ross Gerndt and Sister-in law Rita (Harold) Spores, Jr.
Per her wishes, no services will be held.
