Obituary of Kate Carter

Katharine Ann “Kate” Carter gracefully left our world on Sunday, April 7, 2024, surrounded by the love of her devoted family.

Kate was born November 7, 1956, to Bob and Geraldine Ruess. She grew up in West Liberty, Iowa, the second-youngest of seven children. After graduating from West Liberty High School, she attended North Iowa Community College with an interest in fashion merchandising before leaving to start her family. From a young age, she was a nurturer, always caring for others. Perhaps her greatest legacy, Kate devoted her life to raising her children and spending time with her grandchildren. She stayed at home with her kids as they grew, then worked various jobs in the school system so she could be available to support them. She never missed a school event or activity for her children or grandchildren.

As her children got older, she became a dedicated runner, participating in the Davenport Bix annually for close to 20 years and completing multiple marathons across several states. She later found a career and work family at Iowa Realty, where she worked for more than a decade. Later in life, she followed her passion for singing and performing by joining the MetroMix Chorus Sweet Adelines. In 2018, she was awarded the MetroMix Chorus Sweet Adeline Leading Lady of the Year (SALLY) Award. She was a voracious reader, loved to sew, loved ice cream, and was a talented baker. She became widely known in many circles for her cinnamon rolls and chocolate frosted cookies. She also loved playing cards with local Ruess family members and in a weekly card game with her siblings across the U.S.

Kate will be remembered for her incredibly kind and empathetic spirit. She was strong but selfless and very tender-hearted. Her eyes always sparkled, especially when she laughed, and her laugh always filled everyone around her with joy.

She was preceded in death by her devoted parents, Bob and Geraldine Ruess; her brother and dear friend, John Ruess; and her beloved sister-in-law, Paula Schaedlich Ruess. Kate will be cherished in memory by her children, Holly (Matt) Funke, Matt Carter, and Allison (Robert) Wicher; her grandchildren, Ashlynn, Maddie, Ellie, and Charlie; and by her brothers and sister, Terry (Teresa) Ruess, Dick Ruess, Julie (Bob) Penno, Bill (Vonda) Ruess, and Larry (Bess) Ruess. She will also forever be celebrated by her nieces and nephews and their families.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 12, and a celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 13. Both events will take place at West Liberty Christian Fellowship in West Liberty, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mercy Medical Center (www.mercycare.org/giving/donate-now/) or a charity of your choice.