Ruth Kautz

Ruth M Kautz, 87, formerly of Muscatine, passed away, Monday, March 9, 2026 in Columbus Junction.

The family will greet friends from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, Friday March 13, 2026 at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow immediately at Rose Hill Cemetery, Buffalo. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family.

Ruth was born on October 18, 1938, daughter of Milo and Cora (Eiselstein) Ahrens. She was united in marriage to John Kautzs on August 9, 1975. He preceded her in death on October 26, 2012.

Ruth was a teacher and taught for over 35 years at four schools in Muscatine. She enjoyed playing bingo and making bracelets. She also made sure she was the boss. Ruth and John enjoyed spending time camping and spent many weekends in their motorhome along with Jean and Kenny Orr. She loved going out to eat with her school friends Luanne and Marsha and the many friends she made along the way. She also found joy in feeding the birds and deer at Colonial Manor in Columbus Junction. Above all she loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and cherished the time she spent with them. She will be deeply missed.

Those left to honor her memory include her children Lisa (Brian) Schell, Mike Samuelson, Pam (James) Paul and Craig (Cathy) Samuelson; grandchildren Phoenix (Ashley) Schell, Preston (Destiny) Hocke, Phoebe (Ethan) Hocke, James (Valerie) Paul, Jacob Paul, Joseph (Andrea) Paul, Jeremiah (Christine) Paul, April Samuelson and Kristy Samuelson; great grandchildren Jazz Jones, Isac Jones, Aria Ngwayah, Madalynn Paul, Adrianna Paul, Sophie Paul, Stetson Kyle Erbe, Everly Paul, Austin Calvin, Aubree Calvin, Grayson Samuelson Brooklyn Schell and Brynlee Schell; sister Alma Chapman; and brother-in-law Bob Kautz.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson Zachriah, great grandchildren Addison and Carson and daughter in law Patty Samuelson.