Ruth Janell Fields, passed away peacefully at her home in Milton, Iowa, on July 29, 2024, at the age of 81. Born on April 26, 1943, in Perry, Missouri, to David and Dorothy Misner Crockett, Ruth’s early years were spent in Davenport where she embraced life with a joyful spirit.
Ruth’s nurturing nature found its true expression in motherhood. She moved to Milton in 1981 and dedicated herself to raising her six children, instilling in them her passion for crafts and baking. Her three daughters fondly remember learning to bake, sew, knit, and quilt under her patient guidance, while her three sons recall the watchful and loving eye she kept over them. Ruth’s home was always filled with the warmth of her kitchen and the love of her heart.
In her professional life, Ruth’s caring touch extended to the culinary world. She worked as a cook at Davis County Hospital for four years and several years at Good Samaritan in Keosauqua. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone as she ran two restaurants, The Family Diner in Cantril and JD’s in Milton, where she shared her love for food with the community.
Ruth’s legacy is carried on by her beloved husband, William “Bill” Fields of Milton, and her cherished children: Frank Daughtery (Carrol) of Cantril, Mark Daughtery (Bobbi Jo) of New London, MO, Michael Fields (Christine) of Milton, Sherri Daughtery (Flint Downey) of Mount Sterling, Laura Hawks (Scott) of Mount Pleasant, and Heidi Shafranek (Clifford) of Milton. Her life’s joy was multiplied through her 17 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-granddaughter, who will all remember her loving spirit. She also leaves behind 12 siblings, several stepsiblings, her treasured dog Chloe, and numerous relatives and friends who were touched by her kindness.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Larry Crockett, and several other brothers and sisters.
Visitation for Ruth will open at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 2, 2024, with the family present from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua. A funeral service honoring her life will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Cranston Family Funeral Home, with Kevin Mote officiating. Ruth will be laid to rest at Sunnyside Cemetery in Milton. Memorials in Ruth’s honor to Hospice Compassus may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the family at P.O. Box 223, Milton, IA 52570. Friends and loved ones may leave condolences and share memories of Ruth at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
