ELMA — Ruth Joyce Holdeman, 81, of Elma, passed away Monday, June 29, 2026, at Colonial Manor in Elma.
Ruth was born September 13, 1944, in Harrison, Michigan, the daughter of Donald and Mandena Decker Litwiller. She spent her early childhood in Michigan before moving with her family to DeRidder, Louisiana, where she grew up working alongside her siblings.
According to her obituary, Ruth helped milk cows by hand, picked cotton and assisted her father with a variety of projects. She developed an outgoing nature and a lifelong interest in other people.
Ruth was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite on January 20, 1958, and remained devoted to her faith throughout her life.
She married Clinton Holdeman on September 1, 1963. The couple shared nearly 63 years together and served others through their home, church and work in the deaconry.
Their service included time in Haiti and India, where they formed lasting friendships. Ruth and Clinton moved from Halstead, Kansas, to Elma in the spring of 1992.
Her obituary notes that Ruth welcomed an endless stream of guests into her home and formed many new friendships after arriving in Northern Iowa.
Ruth and Clinton were blessed with five children, three daughters and two sons. Her family remembers her as a diligent and caring mother who created an orderly, secure and loving home.
She often sang early in the morning and used scripture or songs to help guide and teach her children. Ruth also enjoyed swimming and took time to teach her family to appreciate the water.
Her creativity was reflected in gardening, quilting, rug making and many other projects. She especially enjoyed designing and caring for her yard and gardens and was known for her willingness to tackle nearly any task.
According to the obituary, Ruth continued to live fully despite numerous health challenges. During her final year, she came to appreciate and gratefully accept the care offered by others after spending much of her life giving to those around her.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Clinton; children Jennice and Ralph Toews of Steinbach, Manitoba, Myra and Mark Friesen of Vienna, Ontario, Gordon and Gloria Holdeman of Elma, Sharon and Daniel Koehn of Scott City, Kansas, and Don and Ang Holdeman of Elma; 27 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by members of the Litwiller and Holdeman families and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her parents-in-law, two brothers, one sister, one brother-in-law and one grandson.
The family expressed its appreciation to Hospice and the staff at Colonial Manor for the care provided to Ruth.
Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, 14258 45th Street near Lime Springs.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Church of God in Christ Mennonite.
Lindstrom Funeral Homes is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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