RUTHVEN — Marilyn Kay Ruehle, 76, of Ruthven, died October 20, 2026, at Spencer Hospital, leaving a legacy of caring for younger siblings, raising her family and sharing her talents with her church and community.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 1901 Rolling Street in Ruthven. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 26, at the church, with the Rev. Eric Patten officiating. Interment will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Crown Hill Cemetery in Ruthven. Geelan Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Born November 3, 1949, in Plainview, Nebraska, Marilyn was the daughter of Clifford and Lucille Nissen. She later made her home in Dickens, Iowa.
The responsibility of caring for others came early. Marilyn was just 10 when her mother died, and she stepped into a mothering role for her younger siblings. That early experience helped shape a lifetime of nurturing and guiding others, extending across generations of her family.
On August 14, 1981, she married David Ruehle at Zion Lutheran Church in Ruthven. The couple made their home in Ruthven and became active in the community.
For 37 years, Marilyn worked as a cosmetologist, building lasting relationships with the people she served. Her talents also extended to sewing, including senior quilts and mission quilts that put her skills to work for others.
She enjoyed cooking for anyone, tending her garden and spending time outdoors. Gardening was her time to play in the dirt, and sharing it with her daughter-in-law, Heather, made it especially meaningful.
Marilyn’s willingness to help carried into church activities, community breakfasts and school events. She supported Ruthven and neighboring communities by giving her time wherever she could lend a hand.
Family remained at the center of her life. Reunions, shopping trips and watching children play in parks were among the moments she treasured. She encouraged children to become independent and to like one another, and she placed lasting value on making time for family.
Marilyn is survived by her husband, David Ruehle; her children, Vickie Ruehle and Dan Ruehle and his wife, Heather; and two granddaughters, Kayley and Aubrey.
She also leaves her siblings, Ervin (Becky) Nissen, Verla (Rich) Grisham, Audrey (Steve) Day, Gloria Allen, Arlyn (Tracy) Nissen, Allen (Pam) Nissen and Cliff Jr. (Brenda) Nissen; sister-in-law Debra Nissen; and extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Gerald (Sharron) Nissen and Terry Nissen.
Her family’s tribute to Marilyn Ruehle through Geelan Funeral Home offers an opportunity to share memories and condolences.
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