Ruth Denham

RUTH A. DENHAM

Ruth A. Denham, age 71, of Kahoka, MO, died Wednesday, February 17, 2010, in Keokuk Area Hospital.

Ruth was born January 3, 1939, in Eddyville, IA, a daughter of David and Lucille Thompson Pierce.

On August 11, 1963, she married Eugene C. Denham in Kahoka, joining together with children, Melia, Mark and Randy.

Ruth is survived by two sons, Randy Denham and his wife, LaRae, of Des Moines, IA and David Denham and Kim Helbing of Kahoka, MO; two daughters, Melia Denham of Oskaloosa, IA and Lisa Vincent and her husband, Greg of Owensboro, KY; daughter-in-law, Norma Denham of Rowlett, TX; twelve grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren: Anissa and Brian Mick of Shawnee, KS and children Trey and Chase; Tonya and Jerry Findley of Lovilia, IA and daughter, Abigail; Randy and Angie Denham of Gilman, IA and their sons, Sebastian and Zachary; Justin Denham and fiancé Megan Mangra of Des Moines, IA and their son, Kadyn; Brandon and Rebecca Johnson of Little Elm, TX and their son, Braydon, Blake Denham of Rowlett, TX, Amy Denham of Green City, MO, Zachary, Adalynn and Delaney Denham of Kahoka, MO; and, Erica and Drew Owen, both of Owensboro, KY; two sisters,

Shirley Dennison and her husband, Jim, of Ottumwa, IA and Janie Dunning and her husband, Mike, of Columbia, MO; sister-in-law, Eunice Buford of Kahoka, MO; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eugene; son, Mark Eugene Denham of August 3, 2009; and brother, J. D. Pierce.

Ruth attended Keokuk High School. She was a tax accountant and bookkeeper for many years and received constant continuing education throughout her career. She was well known and respected through her business "Denham Accounting and Tax Service", beginning her tax career with Iona Orcutt Hemm. She was passionate about her work and concerned for her clients. During her career, she not only ended up being in charge of many of her client's affairs, but also became their caretaker and to many their family. She had served as Administrator of the Clark Co. Ambulance District and developed their original bookkeeping and housed the business office for several years. She continued as bookkeeper for Dr. Neville Crenshaw until her death.

Relaxation was not in Ruth's vocabulary. She worked long and difficult hours in her accounting firm, and in addition alongside Gene and David in their farming operation. She provided assistance to many of their landlords and invited them into her home as family.

Passionate is not a big enough word to express how she felt about her family. High school years were spent on the road at ball games where she was the "biggest" fan. She would climb any mountain and cross any ocean to protect, defend and love her children. She may have been small, but her strength and determination were huge. Ruth was fair, generous, and demonstrated a servant's heart. She was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ. She sent her children faithfully, and supported its ministry equally faithfully.

Funeral services were held Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Kahoka with Rev. Kenneth Beckmann officiating. Burial was in the Kahoka Cemetery.

Memorials in lieu of flowers were suggested to the Blake Denham Education Fund (checks to be made payable to Norma Denham) or the St. Paul United Church of Christ.