Jean Puterbaugh Obituary

In Loving Memory
Jean L. Puterbaugh
September 5, 1942 - October 27, 2024

Jean's family requests that memorials be directed to the United Methodist Church in Ruthven or the Ruthven Community Care Center.

Jean's service will be live streamed on the Ruthven United Methodist Church Facebook page.

VISITATION
Thursday, October 31, 2024
9:30 - 11:00 A.M.
United Methodist Church
Ruthven, Iowa

SERVICE
Thursday, October 31, 2024
11:00 A.M.
United Methodist Church
Ruthven, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Kris Hackbart

INURNMENT
Crown Hill Cemetery
Ruthven, Iowa
(Committal will be held at a later date)

Jean Puterbaugh passed away into the arms of her Heavenly Father on October 27, 2024, at the Ruthven Community Care Center, at age 82.

Jean Louise Schmidt was born on September 5, 1942, to George and Helen Schmidt in Huron, South Dakota. She was welcomed by her older brother Tom, with whom she shared a precious bond of love and caring. They attended country school together for their early academic years. Jean spent her childhood in many places, as the family moved often with George’s position with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Jean attended school in Wahpeton, ND; Williston, ND; and Aberdeen, SD. She graduated from Bismark High School in North Dakota. Because they moved so often, she became very good at meeting new people and still kept in contact with friends she made throughout her life. She attended nurses training at the Huron School of Nursing in South Dakota, where she earned her RN degree. If anyone ever had a heart for nursing, it was Jean. Her gentle ways, heartfelt compassion, and loving care touched both her patients and those with whom she worked.

Jean’s favorite summers were spent at “the farm,” where her grandparents lived. She loved working with her Grandma Bertha in the kitchen and helping out on the farm. Weekends were the most fun, when all the family would gather for meals, cards, and storytelling. Many an afternoon were spent with cousins, swimming in the creek, and riding Skeeter.

In 1958, Jean met the love of her life, Allan Puterbaugh. They were in 4-H together, and she loved to watch Allan play softball.  They had SO much fun together. In early August of 1963, Jean graduated from nursing school. On August 11, 1963, Jean and Allan were united in marriage in Aberdeen, SD. Their first home was in Esteline, South Dakota, where Al taught school and Jean worked as a nurse. She would eventually become the hospital administrator.

In 1967, Jean and Allan moved to Ruthven, Iowa. This became their permanent home. Jean got involved in the community by becoming an active member of the United Methodist Church, in which she held many offices and helped form social groups. As a result of her efforts, she served as the President of United Methodist Women, the Federated Women’s Club, and the very first President of the Jr. Women’s Club. Jean was also a lifelong member and past president of the PEO Chapter KF. 

In the mid-80's, Jean and her dear friend Lynn Swan started their own cottage business, creating wooden jewelry. Completely crafted from start to finish by Jean and some very talented local artists, this small business would see success in sales from Florida to Arizona and everywhere in between. Jeannielyn Jewelry was featured in numerous news articles and was sold in boutiques and even Von Maur department stores.

Jean’s greatest accomplishment in her life was raising her family. She and Allan were thrilled to welcome their son, Chad Allan, on December 14, 1968. Three years later, Tricia Jean arrived. Their family of four was complete. Special memories were the simplest pleasures: mealtimes, playing games, camping, fishing, anything outdoors! There were many trips to visit family, as well as adventures in the mountains she loved so dearly. In 1975, Jean worked side by side with Allan to build their house, putting in every nail, creating the HOME where they would grow old together. Jean was most content to be a wife and mother. She was a wonderful cook and baker; best known for the 100 pies she made in her lifetime. She faced life with energy, strength, and a deep faith in God.

Jean's father, George, passed away in 1968. Later that year, her mother, Helen, made the move to Spencer. Jean thoroughly enjoyed having "Mom" so close. When Mom suffered a stroke, Al and Jean took her into their home and cared for her until her passing.

Life has its difficult chapters, and Jean and Allan faced many challenges in their life together. Jean battled colon cancer in 2021. She also suffered additional health setbacks in the years that followed. In 2023, she was diagnosed with dementia. Allan lovingly cared for her at home as she declined. On Christmas Eve of 2023, she suffered a stroke, and sadly, doctors felt she needed to be moved into a care facility.

During her time at the care facility, Jean continued her caring nature by touching the hearts of the nurses, staff, and residents of the Ruthven Care Center. Jean's God-given gift was her beautiful smile, gentle spirit, and care for others.

Despite all the struggles, there was no love more true or deeper than the love Jean and Al shared with each other. This past August, they celebrated 61 years of marriage. Lifelong best friends, partners, and champions for each other.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents, George and Helen Schmidt; her dearly loved son, Chad; her very special grandson, Riley; Ervin Puterbaugh, father-in-law; and Viola Puterbaugh, mother-in-law.

Jean is survived by her beloved husband, Allan, and her most cherished daughter Tricia (Don) Cedar Rapids; two grandsons she adored, Gage Puterbaugh (Melissa) of Ruthven, Iowa, and Thomas Semple of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; three very dear great-grandchildren, Henry, Roman, and Mackenzie Puterbaugh; a deeply loved brother, Tom Schmidt (Deanna) Havelock, North Carolina; brothers-in-law Gerald Puterbaugh (Ann) Cavour, SD; Perry Puterbaugh (Betty) Cavour, SD; and sister-in-law Deanna Moeding (Tom) Cavour, South Dakota; as well as many other cherished loved ones and countless friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home