Ruth Jensen, 97, died of natural causes on Thursday, December 1. She was a resident of Heartwood House at Northcrest Retirement Community in Ames, Iowa.

Ruth was born in Goldfield, Iowa to Byron and Fanny McElhinney. She graduated with a degree in Home Economics from Iowa State University. She was a member of PEO and Bethesda Lutheran Church. She was a volunteer with the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, and the Food Pantry. She worked at the clothing closet at her church and helped make quilts for the Lutheran World Federation. Ruth was a wonderful cook and hostess. She was the first lady of Muhlenberg College when her husband, the late Dr. Erling N. Jensen, served as President.

She is survived by her sons Richard (Jo ) Jensen of St. Peter, MN, Carl (Ellie)Jensen, of Loxahatchee, Fl, David (Debbie) Jensen of Saratoga, Ca; her grandchildren Karen (Dan) Leighton and Karl (Emily) Jensen of St. Peter, MN., Laurel (Lance) Farrell of West Des Moines, Stephen Jensen and Kristen Jensen of Saratoga, CA.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters, Alice McElhinney and Margaret Higgins; her son Edward Jensen and her granddaughter, Jennifer Jensen.

A private memorial service is to be held at a yet to be determined date. It is the families wish that memorials be given to Grand View University, 1300 Grandview Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50316.