Ruth A. Siebke, age 97, of Walcott, died on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf. A visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:45 a.m., Wednesday, April 1, at Bentley Funeral Home, Durant. A funeral service will be held at 12 noon, at the funeral home. Private burial will take place in Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Camp Courageous or the Walcott Fire Department. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Ruth was born on Aug. 27, 1928, the daughter of Max and Emmy (Schulz) Hadenfeldt. She graduated from Davenport High School with the Class of 1946. Ruth married Eugene Siebke on Oct. 14, 1950, in Davenport. Eugene died on Sept. 8, 2012.
Ruth lived a life grounded in hard work, faith, and simple joys. She farmed alongside her husband, Gene, devoting many years to their shared livelihood until their retirement in 1991. She found particular joy in caring for her chickens and selling eggs, a simple pursuit that brought her pride. In retirement, they made their home in Walcott, where Ruth embraced the quiet rhythms and close-knit spirit of small-town life. Ruth was a devoted member of Calvary Church of Walcott and was actively involved in several organizations, including the Royal Neighbors of Stockton, the Iowa Porkettes, and the Muscatine County Farm Bureau.
Ruth treasured time spent with Gene, especially when they were dancing together. She also loved playing cards — particularly a good game of 500 —traveling on bus trips and cruises and tending to her garden. Whether growing flowers or vegetables, she found satisfaction in nurturing things from the ground up, and she took great pride in canning the fruits of her labor. Ruth generously shared her time as a volunteer at the Walcott School, where she found great joy in reading to elementary students. She had a special place in her heart for children who needed a little extra help, often spending one-on-one time encouraging them and building their confidence through reading. A talented seamstress, Ruth lovingly made clothing and other items for her family, expressing her care through every stitch. Ruth will be remembered for her steady spirit, her strong work ethic, and the warmth she brought to her family.
Ruth will be lovingly remembered by two children, Stanley (Nancy Harris) Siebke of Urbandale, and Susan (Robert) Rath of Homestead; four grandchildren, Kathryn Siebke and her husband, Luigi Vigoriti of Fiesole, Italy, Michelle (Jesus) Paleo of Glendale, Ariz., Preston (Kimberly) Rath of Homestead and Cory (Ashley Shields) Rath of Cedar Rapids; 10 great-grandchildren, Selah, Zeferina and Evangeline Paleo, Eleanora, Tommaso and Anna Vigoriti, Jesse (Megan) Jones, and Daniel (Racheal Harris), Grace and Estella Rath; and four great-great-granddaughters, Zoey, Lucy and Lainey Jones and Gabby Rath.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; a brother, Grover Hadenfeldt; and one sister, Arline Hering.
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