Obituary of Ruth Holly Brooks

Ruth H. Brooks “ Punky”, age 79, of North Liberty, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Lantern Park Specialty Care, surrounded by family.

A visitation will be held Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, with a Celebration of Life beginning at 3:00 p.m. A "pizza party" will follow at the Coralville American Legion, where loved ones can gather to share stories, laughter, and memories of Ruth.

In true Ruth fashion, guests are invited to wear their favorite Iowa Hawkeye attire to the celebration — she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Born January 22, 1946, at the University of Iowa Hospital, Ruth was the beloved daughter of Hollis “Holly” and Ruth (Wineke) Horrell. Her early years were spent in Muscatine before the family settled in Iowa City. She graduated from City High School in 1964 and married Harry Brooks on November 3, 1966, at Coralville United Methodist Church.

Ruth held a variety of jobs throughout her life, but none brought her more joy than her time as the cherished “lunch lady” at Coralville Central School. She adored being around the children, offering them a warm smile, a kind word, and maybe even an extra helping now and then.

Ruth had a zest for life that was contagious. She loved to dance, hunt for treasures at thrift stores and garage sales, and never passed up a burger basket at Micky’s on a Tuesday. She was a loyal Hawkeyes fan and often rooted for her team from Tavern Blue, surrounded by friends and laughter.

Those who knew Ruth knew her heart. She was endlessly generous, fiercely loving, and the kind of person who would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. She was the center of her family — a devoted mom, a fun and doting grandma, a proud great-grandma, a loyal sister, and a treasured friend.

Ruth’s memory lives on through her daughters: Tonya (Gerry) Smith of North Liberty and Amber (Josh) Mattheis of Coralville; her grandchildren: Mykala Smith, Gavin (Sammy)Smith, Tavian (Jaianna) Smith, and Taleah (Brady) Brandsfield; and her great-grandchildren: Cashius Davis, Ava Smith, Kai Smith, and Tavian “T.J.” Smith Jr. She is also survived by her brothers Jack (Kathy) Horrell and Gary Horrell; her sister Linda (Andy) Andrews; her sister-in-law Nancy Horrell; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Ron Horrell.

To know Ruth was to love her — and to be loved by her was a true gift. Her joyful spirit, unwavering kindness, and fierce Hawkeye pride will never be forgotten.