To the Nielsen and Hippen families:

Jeff and girls -- I, too, worked with Ruth in the OTO clinic and always remember her wonderful smile and gentle ways. Jeff, I know that there are no words to tell of your indescribable pain. You and your daughters are in my prayers and have my most sincerest sympathy!

Our families have known each other for a very long time as Ruth actually babysat me and by the way, she was a wonderful babysitter and I'm sure an outstanding mother and wife. I hope that all of the wonderful memories you have of Ruth will get you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with the Hippens and the Nielsen's.

Jeff, Brooke, Morgan and family, there are no words to say all that is in my heart.

"The tongue may stumble when the heart is full" Winston Churchill

We are so sorry for your loss, Jeff. You and your family are in our thoughts.

Jeff,

We are so sorry for your loss. Although we didn't know Ruth, it sounds like she was a great person. And we know she had to be, being in the Nielsen family. Our sympathies and may your memories bring you peace.

I am very sorry for your loss. Your are in my thoughts and prayers. Ruth will be deeply missed.

Jeff and Family

Jeff and family,

I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. As a fellow "Iowa" nurse, I just have to say that you must all be so proud of Ruth. In reading the caring words from her co-workers and patients it was so touching to hear how loved she was by all. She must have been amazing. May your family be sustained by those near and dear to you, and by God's love. Blessings, Marcy Larson

Jeff and Family; Very sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

To Jeff and your family...I am so very sorry for your loss. Know that you are in many of our hearts and prayers.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and you family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeff, I am so sorry for your sudden loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeff,

I was so sad and surprised to hear of Ruth's passing. You and your daughter's are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope all the wonderful memories you and your family have of Ruth will give you some peace and help you get through this difficult time.

I remember working with Ruth on many occasions. She always had a ready smile and willingness to help. She will be missed!

Jeff, I am so sorry for your loss.

Jeff...so sorry about your loss...you & your family are in my prayers!

Jeff, so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife. Prayers, Beth

Jeff, I am so very sorry for the passing of your beautiful wife. You and your children will be in my prayers. May God comfort you all...

Jeff,

My deepest sympathy for the loss of your beautiful wife.

Jeff, my heart felt condolences on the loss of your wife Ruth.

So sorry and shocked to hear of Ruth's passing. What a beautiful human being. I spent lots of time in church with all of the Hippen girls. My brother and I seemed to take turns with the Hippen girls singing for church on Sunday Nights. I bet she is sharing a song with Jesus right now.

Jeff, Morgan and Brooke

Jeff,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. While I did not know Ruth personally I know she was very special to you and to many others too! Don't hesitate to contact me if there's anything I can do to help you through this difficult time.

Jeff, Brooke, and Morgan: I was deeply saddened to hear of Ruths passing. I worked with her in the OTO clinic for many years. She was a wonderful woman and nurse and her smile and laughter would light up the room. you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeff, Brooke, Morgan

Dear Jeff and girls,

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on your loss. My thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Best, Helen Dailey

Jeff,

I am so sorry to her about your loss. Cindy Frazier just sent this to me. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Susan

Jeff and family-

Jeff, Brooke, Morgan and family

We were all saddened to hear of Ruth's sudden passing, she was a special person who always shared her smile with everyone she met and her laughter and genuine kindness towards others will always be remembered by those who knew her. You and your family will be held deep in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Ruth's quick smile will long be remembered.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Jeff, Brooke, Morgan and Family,

I am deeply saddened by the passing of your wife/mom. I am a clerk in the Oto Clinic and I truly "loved" working with her. When I would see she was assigned to Triage, I knew it was gonna be a "good day." I learned so much about you guys as Ruth and I would share stories about our families! May memories comfort you at this time. We are really gonna miss her here at work as I know she will be greatly missed at home. My thoughts are with all of you.

Dear Jeff, Brooke, & Morgan -

Ruth has left this earth much too early. I was fortunate to work with Ruth back in the 80's when she was a staff nurse on the Oto inpatient unit. Her wonderful smile and sweet approach to patients will never be forgotten. She touched many in her life and I am sure many are continuing to live through her encouragement. She will be terribly missed by her close ENT Clinic nurses. My heart goes out to all of Ruth's family.

Jan Christensen

The enormity of your loss is overwhelming even to those of us who did not know Ruth. Our thoughts will be with you as you grieve and struggle to accept this. Bill and Pat Prigge and family.

I am so sorry for your unexpected loss, and my thoughts are with all of you that spent your days with Ruth.

Dear Jeff and family,

Words can't express how sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jeff and Family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. May God provide you peace and understanding during this difficult time. Chris & Rhoda Mergen

We are all sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Dear Jeff, Brooke, Morgan and family: We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ruth. She was a wonderful wife, mother, friend, neighbor and nurse. We will truly miss her. All our love.... Bernie and Steve Goepferd.

Jeff and family:

We're sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go with you and your family.

Jeff:

I worked with Ruth when she first joined UIHC in 1983. She was such a wonderful nurse and person. The way her smile could put patients (and friends) at ease. She touched many lives throughout the years and will always be remembered for her kindness and her smile. My deepest condolences to her family and her extended family at the Oto clinic. She will be greatly missed.

My heart goes out to the Hippens and to the Nielsens. Such a huge loss. Our family sends condolences and blessings to you.

I too had the privilege of working with Ruth in the Oto clinic. She had an infectious smile and positive attitude. We will miss her greatly.

My deepest sympathy to Jeff, Brooke, Morgan and extended family.

Dear Hippen and Nielsen families,

I had the privilege of working with Ruth. She was truly one of the best nurses. The hole that is left in the ENT clinic is deep. I will miss her so much. You and your family are in our prayers. Hang in there through the next few days and weeks.

Jeff, Brooke and Morgan. Words can not express the deep sadness we feel for you all. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. A good friend shared this with my family @ the time of my Mom's passing. Hope you can find some comfort in this.

________________MOTHER____________________

The young mother set her foot on the path of life.

"Is this the long way?" she asked.

And the guide said, "Yes, and the way is hard.

And you will be old before you reach the end of it.

But the end will be better than the beginning."

But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that

anything could be better than these years.

So she played with her children, she fed them and bathed them,

and taught them how to tie their shoes and ride a bike and

reminded them to feed the dog and do their homework and brush

their teeth.

The sun shone on them and the young Mother cried,

"Nothing will ever be lovelier than this."

Then the nights came, and the storms,

and the path was sometimes dark,

and the children shook with fear and cold,

and the mother drew them close and covered them with her arms,

and the children said, "Mother, we are not afraid,

for you are near, and no harm can come."

And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the

children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary.

But at all times she said to the children, A little patience

and we are there."

So the children climbed,

and as they climbed they learned to weather the storms.

And with this, she gave them strength to face the world.

Year after year, she showed them compassion, understanding, hope,

but most of all... unconditional love.

And when they reached the top they said,

"Mother, we would not have done it without you."

The days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years,

and the mother grew old and she became little and bent.

But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage.

And the mother, when she lay down at night,

looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day

than the last, for my children have learned so much and are now

passing these traits on to their children."

And when the way became rough for her, they lifted her,

and gave her their strength, just as she had given them hers.

One day they came to a hill, and beyond the hill,

they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide.

And mother said: "I have reached the end of my journey.

And now I know the end is better than the beginning,

for my children can walk with dignity and pride,

with their heads held high,

and so can their children after them."

And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother,

even when you have gone through the gates."

And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the

gates closed after her. And they said: "We cannot see her, but

she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory.

She is a living presence."

Your Mother is always with you.

She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street,

She's the smell of certain foods you remember,

flowers you pick

and perfume that she wore,

She's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well,

She's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day.

She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep,

the colors of a rainbow,

She is Christmas morning.

Your Mother lives inside your laughter.

And she's crystallized in every tear drop.

A mother shows every emotion...

happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger,

helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow...

and all the while, hoping and praying

you will only know the good feelings in life.

She's the place you came from, your first home,

and she's the map you follow with every step you take.

She's your first love,

your first friend,

even your first enemy,

but nothing on earth

can separate you.

Not time, not space... not even death!

May we never take our mothers for granted.

Sincerely, The Miniaci Family

Henrietta, Susan, Jean, and Diane,

Sorry to hear about Ruth's passing. Remember all the good times you had while you were together. I remember going to your house so often when we were kids. It was so much fun to play with all of you girls. I especially remember your rocking horse in the basement and Uncle Herman's" Willy" jeep that was always in the garage. I don't think I ever got to ride in it, but it really sticks in my mind. One other thing that stick in my mind is Thanksgiving when we were kids and someone made dressing with raisins and we thought that was the worst thing we ever had to eat. Today I love raisins in my dressing, so I guess it wasn't so bad afterall.We drove past your farm place when we were up for Brant's wedding and it brought back many childhood memories. I will be thinking of you and will say a few prayers for all of you.

Pat Radmaker

Jeff,

We are sorry for the lost that the Nielsen and Hippen families are needing to overcome. I still can't believe Ruth is not physically with us. I have known Ruth since she was a baby and on to adult life. She will always be in our hearts and minds. Ruth grew up on a farm just north of our home place. Our families visited and went to church together. I was Ruth's babysitter and She was our girls baby sitter. Her lost will have an inpact on all of us for a long time. Our deepest sympathy. Howard and Elaine Michaelson

Jeff, just wanted you to know how very, very sorry I am for Ruth's passing.

As unbelievable as it is for her "team" in the Oto clinic, can't imagine what her loss is for you and the girls. I will miss her as a co-worker but will miss my friend so much more and will always hold in my heart Ruth's constant smile and sense of fun!

Jeff, Brooke and Morgan,

I am so very sorry for your loss! I was just going through some volleyball stuff and came across the pictures Ruth put together for the team after the season. She was always such a joy to be around and we all will miss her. Remember that as she lives in our thoughts, she lives in our lives.

I am so sorry to hear about Ruth's passing. Remember all the good times you all had together. I worked with Ruth in the Oto clinic and she was an awesome nurse and great coworker. I loved hearing her stories about her girls. She was a very proud mom! My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Just the other day my dad just showed me a newspaper from 1979 and you were on the front sitting at one of those home organs. Warm feelings and a smile quickly came over me as my mind filled with memories of how sweet and talented you were! Just Saturday, my brother, Billy drove into your childhood farmyard dropping off a babysitter with the new residents and had the same good memories of picking you up for Junior Prom. We float along in our busy lives and then something like this jars our minds to halt and reflect.

We just want to send our heartfelt sympathies to the family, we are all so saddened to hear of Ruth's passing away. We remember all the fun times with Ruth and her family on the farm.

We are keeping everyone in our thoughts and prayers. We are sorry we cannot attend her memorial services. With love and prayers, 2nd Cousins

Frances, Marlys and Bev

Jeff and girls so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your family.

Deb Anderson

Brooke - your mom is so beautiful and I can tell you are just like her in many ways. I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Please know we all have been thinking about you all week and hope there is something we can do to help you when you return.

Jeff, Brooke and Morgan,

Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We were so shocked to hear of Ruth's passing. We will always remember all the good times we and our girls shared over the years. One of Ruth's enduring qualities was she always seemed to be wearing a smile. She will be greatly missed by all of us. If there is absolutely anything we can do you for you guys, please do not hesitate to call us.

Friends and old neighbors

Clark, Lou Ann, Kara and Erin

Our deepest sympathy to all of Ruth's family in this shocking loss - our thoughts and prayers go out to each one of you -

God bless each of you -

Gene and Marilyn Brass

Buffalo Center, Iowa

Jeff,

I was saddened today to hear of your wife's passing. I did not know your wife but am sure she was a great lady. Be strong and take care.

Rick

Dear Family

Our last chance to visit was Henrietta's Birthday party a few years back. Even though she didn't want all the attention, she was extremely happy to see all her friends & relatives and proud of all her children & their families.

The loss of Ruth was an extreme shock. She was always a happy & out going child & young adult. From the sounds of these memorials that did not change & she has impacted her family & friends in only the best ways.

I will always rember her as the great person she was. Even though this is a vey trying time, try to draw strength from her, by keeping her alive thru her memory. Kathy Lewis & family

I just wanted to say how deeply sorry I was to get the news of Ruth's sudden death. She and I were friends from the time we were 5 years old. We not only attended elementary, junior high and high school together, we were (I believe) the only two members of our BCR class of 1979 to attend the University of Iowa. We were always close friends as kids, but got even closer at Iowa. I remember many long car rides between Iowa City and Buffalo Center when Ruth, Jean, Dale Wirtjes and I (or some combination thereof) would share the trip with lots of laughs. Ruth's laugh is something I will always remember...it was both infectious and vivacious. Simply put, Ruth was fun. She loved life and it was apparent in everything she did even at a young age.

We are so sorry to hear the sad news. You are in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.

I was a secretary in the Oto Clinic when Ruth started in the clinic until 1993 when I transfered out of the hospital. She was always there with a smile and such great compassion and grace in her treatment of patients and co-workers. She will be incredibly missed.

Dear Jeff, Brooke and Morgan,

Dear Jeff and family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. Please, anything that we can do for you, don't hesitate to call.

As you begin your life with this huge loss, please be patient and take it one day at a time. My prayers are with you as to go through yet another journey in life.

Dear Jeff, Brooke and Morgan:

Words can not express how sorry and shocked to hear of Ruth's passing. You were great neighbors and you have our thoughts and prayers at this very, very difficult time.

To all of Ruth's family - I am so very sorry for your terrible loss. Ruth was one of the nicest nurses I have ever had the pleasure of working with as a patient. She was so professional, so respectful towards me and really went out of her way to help me in our encounters. It would be an amazing world if every patient could have the same quality medical care that Ruth so graciously shared with me. Thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Dear Jeff and girls,

I was so sadden to hear about the loss of Ruth.I spent many years working along side Ruth,and worked with her when she had the girls. She loved telling stories about them when they were growing up to be young ladies.She was so proud of her family,and love sharing that with her co-workers.She was a great nurse and all the patients loved her as well as the people she worked with,She will be truely missed by all.

Heartfelt Condolences to Brooke and her family at this most difficult time. may the many memories you created give you some peace at this time..Another Angel in the heavens !

Jeff, Brooke, Morgan, and Ruth's Family...

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Ruth was one of my college roommates and a wonderful, wonderful friend. I wished all these years we lived closer. The Lord has one special angel in heaven who will be watching over all of us.

So very sorry for your loss. I worked with Ruth, when she would come to Oral Surgery Clinic when we were swamped and needed an extra hand. She was always a smiling face, with a calm and caring way, to both coworkers and patients alike. She will obviously be missed.

Jeff - I'm so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. God Bless.

Jeff and family.....you are in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. May your wonderful memories sustain you all though all of this.

Dear Jeff, Brooke, Morgan and family,

Words can't express the shock and sadness. I hope that all the wonderful times that you spent together as a family and your memories will help get you through this difficult time. I truly enjoyed working with Ruth and so lucky be a part of her "Oto family" for so many years.

Dear Jeff, family and friends,

Dear Jeff & family - Please know how very sorry we are for your loss and you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers - Marianne & Larry

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Ruth . I remember her as a young girl, after her father passed away. I would go with my parents, Eilert and Mary Walters Jr. to Buffalo Center to see Henrietta's mother.Minnie Steen Walters.

In sympathy,

Burdette E. Walters

Wellsburg, Iowa

Jeff,

Please know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time and our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Jeff, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

My deepest condolences and sympathy goes out to the loving and amazing family that surrounded Ruth. She was not only extremely loved by everyone around her, but she also reciprocated the love. Being around her I felt safe, loved, and in the presence of an angel. She was a beautiful angel that walked amongst us on Earth, and now has left to become an angel in Heaven. All of us who have had the pleasure of being close to Ruth will greatly miss her, but we will also smile knowing we were blessed to be close to one of God's most special angels.

Love & Hugs to Jeff, Brooke, Morgan, and the rest of this beautiful family.

Cecily Miniaci

I want to give my sympathy and all my love to the entire Nielsen family. May angels lead her into the doors of heaven, and welcome her. Her beautiful soul, loving ways, and contagious personality will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy.

What stands out the most to me about Ruth is that she is always smiling no matter how crazy things might be around her. She has such a calming demeanor about her. My heart goes out to all who loved and had the pleasure to know her. God bless.

I only knew Ruth for a short time but she was such a great person. My thoughts and prayers go to all of Ruth's family and friend.

Jeff & family,

You are all in my thoughts & prayers. So very sorry for your loss.

Dear Jeff, Brooke, and my sweet Morgan,

Jeff, we are so very saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls.

Roger, Jeff, Brooke & Morgan and family,

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all, we are so sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. May your memories sustain you during this difficult time and forever. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace.

Please let us know if we can be of help.

John & Dawn Eckrich

Jeff and Family,