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.