Ruth Annabelle Airey, 85, of Oxford, Iowa, and formerly of Grinnell and Marshalltown, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, April 28, 2025.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell, Iowa. Burial will follow at Sheridan Cemetery. A luncheon will be served afterward at Sheridan United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM prior to the service.

Ruth was born on September 24, 1939, on the family farm near Malcom, Iowa to Vernon and Frances (Dost) McDonald. After the early loss of her mother, she was lovingly raised by her aunts in Grinnell. She graduated from Grinnell High School with the Class of 1958 and later attended beauty school in Des Moines.

On December 8, 1962, Ruth was united in marriage to William "Billy" Airey in Marshalltown. She worked in food service at the University of Iowa for 20 years before retiring in 2000. Ruth was a devoted caretaker throughout her life, a quality instilled in her by her aunts, and she provided unwavering support to her family and community.

Ruth found joy in sewing and needlework, creating cross-stitch pieces and clothing for her family. She also had a passion for genealogy and gardening, tending both flowers and vegetables with care. A lifelong reader, she cherished time spent with books.

Ruth is survived by her children, Linda Airey, Judy (John) Schwab, Lynn Airey, Mervin Airey, and Evelyn Airey; her four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Billy; one daughter and her husband, Sharon (Max) McBroom; and siblings, Robert, Freddie, Louis, Vernon, and Mary Jane McDonald

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be designated to Grinnell FFA or Malcom United Methodist Church. Donations may be mailed to Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.