Ruth Ann Jost age 89, of Clinton passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Clarissa Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, Iowa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Thursday, February 5th at Jesus Christ Prince of Peace Parish, Clinton, Iowa. Visitation will be from 4 – 7 pm on Tuesday, February 3rd at the Pape Funeral Home in Clinton. Cremation rites will be accorded. Cremains will be buried in St. Irenaeus Calvary Cemetery, Clinton.
Ruth was born on December 16, 1936, the daughter of Joseph and Marie (Schreiner) Pestka at Mercy Hospital in Clinton, Iowa. She attended St. Boniface Catholic School and graduated from Mount St. Clare High School. Ruth married Robert Jost on October 5, 1963 at St. Boniface Catholic Church. They had two sons together. She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish, CYO, and the Slow Spokes.
Ruth worked at Libson Shop as Assistant Manager, Nielsen Clearing House, Lou Marge’s and Sears as a sales associate, Eagle Market in the bakery, and retired from Swiss Colony (Colony Brands) after 18 years. “Retail was her thing.” She always said there was a surprise around every corner. Ruth enjoyed Bud Lights, her Manhattans, golfing, the casino, and having lunch, a beer and playing cards with the girls.
Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Robert; 1 son, Todd Jost of Clinton; 2 grandchildren, Jayden Jost and Jasmyn Jost; 2 sisters-in-law, Lorraine Lundquist of Camanche and Carol Jost of Clinton, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Ruth are her parents; her son, Marc Jost; 3 sisters: Joan Miller, Madonna (Waters) Gibson and Gerry Dixon, twin infant brothers; and an infant sister.
Pallbearers will be her grandchildren, Jayden and Jasmyn Jost. Honorary pallbearers will be Dan and Teresa Waters, Tom Waters, Lynn Bonnell, Pat and Donna Waters, Lisa and Ken Watson, Terese and David Larres, Sue and Rich Meyer, David and Tim Dixon, Mike and Tracey Miller, Paulette and Randy Lynch, Erin Dunham and Nathan Determan.
The family would like to thank Dr. Sieg and his staff, Mercy Hospice, and Clarissa Cook for the wonderful care and support they provided for Ruth and the family. Ruth always said, “Remember me with a smile and the good times.” The family requests memorials to the Clinton Humane Society or Prince of Peace Parish. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
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Worked with Ruth at Sears .Was fun person to be around. Rip Ruth.
Ruth was a good friend of my late mother, Judith Mangler; they worked together at Sears. I remember Ruth as having a great sense of humor. My condolences to Bob, Todd, and other family members.
Ruth was such a fun person to be around. When her and Bob would come to visit the kids, we would often see them at Mass in Charles City. We always enjoyed visiting with them. May God grant her the eternal peace she so deserves.
Thoughts and prayers sent to her family.
Ruth was such a fun person to be around. When her and Bob would come to visit the kids, we would often see them at Mass in Charles City. We always enjoyed visiting with them. May God grant her the eternal peace she so deserves.
Thoughts and prayers sent to her family. ????
I don’t know how I got so lucky to have two amazing mother-in-laws but I am grateful that I had the opportunity to call Ruth my family. Even after I became her ex-daughter-in-law Ruth continued to call and check in. When Marc earned his wings we would often meet in Center Point so that she could have time with her grandkids to spoil them. When I got remarried, Ruth continued to check in and would ask how ALL of us were doing, what we had been up to, and compliment my husband & I on how her grandkids were being raised. It meant more than I think she could have ever imagined. I will forever be thankful for every memory. RIP Ruth
Ruthie was a beautiful lady inside and out. She will be missed by many, especially her husband Bob and son, Todd. I will miss those random times I have run into her in the years since Marc’s passing.
She was a wonderful neighbor for our 33 years next door to each other.. our neighborhood will miss her … SO!! She fought the hard fight and may she rest in peace.. my condolences to her beautiful family!!
She was a wonderful neighbor to my parents and a good friend of mine . Sorry Bob and my deepest sympathy
Always and forever in my heart. Thank you for always thinking of me as your “daughter in law” still. You were a special lady and will be missed by so many.