Ruth Donnelly

Ruth Cecilia Donnelly, 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 1, 2022, surrounded by her family. Ruth was born in Des Moines, Iowa on March 14, 1930, to Regina Hammond and Edward Rottee. A lifelong resident of the Beaverdale neighborhood, Ruth attended Holy Trinity School and graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1948, where she excelled in academics and lettered in archery. Upon graduation, she attended Drake University and Mercy Hospital School of Nursing from which she graduated in 1951, with a degree in Nursing. Vota Vita Mea. Ruth began her lifelong journey dedicated to the care, compassion and comfort of others as a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Recognized for her commitment to excellence, she was promoted to head nurse in the Urology Department. Her peers aspired to her empathy and kindness as she lived by the motto of “Save one life, you’re a hero. Save 100 lives, you’re a nurse.” On November 19, 1955, Ruth was joined in marriage with the love of her life, Dwain Joseph Donnelly. From this beautiful union came six children, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Ruth was a devout Catholic and deeply spiritual in her beliefs and dedication to God. She belonged to many religious-based groups including the Alter and Rosary Society and was a founding parishioner of St. Pius X Church and School in Urbandale, Iowa. She was an original member in Christ Renews His Parish, where she held a leadership role. Everything she did in life centered around her religious foundation. Ruth was recognized both locally and nationally for her lead role in establishing the formation of Polk County Victim Services. First and foremost, Ruth was passionately dedicated to the love of her family. She raised her children to love everything that God had blessed them with. Her witty, funny and beautiful sense of humor sparked laughter, love and friendships throughout her life. Her love of music inspired her children and grandchildren to hear the beauty of harmony and the inspiration of a lyric. Her love of sports, especially softball and baseball, taught her children the importance of being a team player. She spent many hours playing catch and teaching them to hit and field. She was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. The world was hers when the Cardinals were playing in late October. Ruth will be greatly missed by her family and all those who were lucky enough to be part of the wonderful experience that was her life. Ruth is survived by her daughters, Mary Lee Donnelly-Glumac (Michael), Patricia Van Veen and Ann Donnelly; sons, Steven Donnelly and David Donnelly (Jan); granddaughters, Carol Patricia Lindaman (Tyler), Kayla Purdy (Bryan), Stephanie Eckland (Thomas), Jessica Caligiuri (Aaron) and Kristin Hukill (Levi); grandsons, David Michael Hukill, Steven Donnelly (Jolee) and Mark Van Veen; great-granddaughters, Annabelle Lindaman, Madelyn Lindaman, Claire Donnelly, Nora Donnelly, Hannah Purdy, Mia Caligiuri and Cecilia Eckland; great-grandsons, Daniel Lindaman and Collin Purdy and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband, Dwain; daughter, Carol Ann Donnelly; grandson, Robert Joseph Hukill and parents, Edward and Regina. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, from 5-7 p.m. with a Rosary service at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Des Moines. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 6, 2022, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Interment will immediately follow at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.