Ruth was born the daughter of Harold Sippel and Martha Saugi Sippel on January 18, 1919, in Dubuque, Iowa. She was raised and educated in Dubuque. She then attended the University of Dubuque and graduated from the Music Conservatory at the University of Dubuque. Ruth was married to John (Jack) R. Cullen in 1951 and the couple resided in Burlington, Iowa and then moved to Grinnell in 1955. John passed away in 1972. She was married to Donald Louden in 1978 and they lived in Grinnell. Ruth was a member of the United Church of Christ - Congregational in Grinnell. She loved animals and was a strong advocate of the Humane Society. She enjoyed all needlework activities including crocheting and knitting. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Susan (Charles) Schober of Irvine, California; her grandsons, Nicholas and Jonathon Schober; her brother, Robert (Pamela) Sippel of Marion, Iowa; and her nieces and nephews. Ruth was 89 years of age and was preceded in death her parents; her husband, John Cullen; and her second husband, Donald Louden. Memorials may be directed to Grinnell Regional Hospice.