02/14/2011
Ruth L. (Stephenson) McDonald, 78, of Knoxville, passed away on Wednesday, February 9, at the
Knoxville Hospital and Clinics.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00
p.m. on Monday, February 14, 2011, at Williams Funeral Home. Graveside services will
then follow the visitation at Greenwood Cemetery with Bill McDonald officiating.
Memorials may be directed to West Ridge Nursing and Rehab. Center or Hospice of
Central Iowa.
Ruth was born on February 13, 1932, to Henry and Stella (White) Stephenson.
She grew up in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School. Ruth was a homemaker
for many years and also a mother to her two sons. Ruth later worked at Nick’s Restaurant
where she was a waitress until her health forced to quit.
Ruth was diagnosed with MS
in 1953. She was the longest-living person with this disease. She was forced to
move into West Ridge Nursing and Rehab in Feb. of 1992. Ruth enjoyed knitting, hand
games, reading, and watching movies. She also enjoyed watching birds outside her
window. She attended the First Christian Church in her younger years until her illness
made it impossible to attend.
Ruth is survived by her son, Charles McDonald (Sheryl
Buckley) of Knoxville, one daughter-in-law, Cheryl Bellis of Des Moines, IA; four
grandchildren, Greg McDonald and wife Amy, Rhonda Buckley, Patrick Buckley, and Jesse McDonald, four great-grandchildren, Alex, Devin, Faith, and Hayden Buckley, and special
friend, Janet McBride.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Son, Michael McDonald,
three brothers, Paul, Glen, and Billy Stephenson, one sister, Wilma Jones, and a
granddaughter, Terri Buckley.