Ruth Ann Boell

Ruth Ann, daughter of John E. and Edith I. (McKnabb) Mulligan, was born July 10, 1934, at rural Defiance, IA.  She attended country school and graduated from Irwin High School.  Ruth then attended cosmetology training and ran her beauty salon in Manning until 1958.

   On January 10, 1956, Ruth was united in marriage with Robert W. Boell at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning.  The family made their home on the farm northwest of Manilla and four children were born to this union. Ruth worked at the Manilla Manor Nursing Home and also drove the school bus.  Shortly before Robert’s death in 1985 they moved to a house in Manilla.  Ruth continued working at Tiny’s grocery store, at the school as a cook, and as a hairdresser at the nursing home.  She also volunteered countless hours in her community and the nursing home.  Through the years Ruth enjoyed sewing and other crafts, baking and gardening flowers.  She was a member of the Friendly Farmers Club, Manning VFW Auxiliary and the Weavers ladies’ group at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Manilla. Her family will remember Ruth as being generous, selfless and giving of her time, love and talents.  Her family was the light of her life.

   As Ruth’s health declined she moved to the Manilla Manor Nursing Home in July of 2016.  She made the journey to her life everlasting in God’s Kingdom on Friday, August 12, 2016, at the age of 82 years, 1 month and 2 days.

   Ruth is preceded in death by her parents; husband Robert Boell; sister Virginia Price (Hubert); brother Ray Mulligan; and sister-in-law Peggy Mulligan.

   She is survived by her children: Duane Boell (Melody), Manilla; Sylvia Bandow (Wyatt), Manilla; Dean Boell (Tammy), Denison; and Sheila Simonsen (Bill), Manilla; 9 grandchildren: Jason Boell; Ashley Martin (Matthew); Paul Boell; Randy Bandow; Robert Bandow (Wendy); Autumn Hack; Brady Boell; Mason Boell; Makenna Simonsen; step grandchildren Brittney Myers and Brett Powell; 5 great grandchildren; 3 step great grandchildren; brother John Mulligan, Denison; sister-in-law Connie Mulligan, Deloit; other relatives and friends.

Rev. Robert Riggert, Officiating

Music

“How Great Thou Art”

“We Praise You and Acknowledge You, Oh God”

“Amazing Grace”

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

Timothy Conner, Organist

Casket Bearers

Jason Boell   Paul Boell   Randy Bandow 
Robert Bandow   Brady Boell   Mason Boell  

Honorary Casket Bearers

Ashley Martin   Robert Boell   Addisyn Bandow
Katelyn Bandow   Matt Johnson   Jared Johnson
Brett Powell   Brittney Myers
Autumn Hack   Emerson Hack   Jaxson Myers 

  Aidan Hack   Makenna Simonsen

Interment

Nishnabotna Cemetery

Near Manilla, Iowa

The family wishes to express their gratitude for your kindness evidenced in thought, word and deed, and invites you to join them for lunch and fellowship at the church following the committal service.