Ruth Ann Courtney

Ruth Ann Courtney, age 79, of Albia, IA, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the Comfort House in Pella, IA. Ruth was born on December 19, 1943, in Albia, IA, to Thomas “Ted” Z. and Alice Louise (Parker) Harnden. She grew up and attended school in Albia, graduating with the Class of 1962. On February 28, 1963, she was united in marriage to Virgil Courtney and to this union, 4 children were born, Alice, Virgil, Mike, and Sheila. Virgil preceded Ruth in death in 1975. Ruth was a homemaker and helped babysit for others. She enjoyed being outdoors, camping, and gardening. She also enjoyed doing word puzzles, crocheting, and playing cards and cribbage. She was an excellent cook, known for her homemade chicken and noodles. She was a Nascar fan, with Rusty Wallace being her favorite driver, and an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Ruth had a big heart, was very giving, and loved to help others any way that she could. Ruth’s true joy in life was spending time with her family and friends. Some of her favorite activities were riding the Himalaya at Adventureland and watching her grandchildren’s sporting events. Ruth is survived by 3 children, Virgil (Dawn) Courtney, Mike Courtney, and Sheila (Jim) Wilfawn; 10 grandchildren, Stacie, James, Stephanie, Cody, Alex, Katie, Brittney, Joel, Courtney, and Briana; 15 great grandchildren; and 3 siblings, Walter (Linda) Harnden, Dean (Dixie) Harnden, and Roy Harnden. Ruth is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil; a daughter, Alice; her parents, Ted and Alice Harnden; a grandson, Cory; 3 sisters, Erma Allison, Mary Parcel, and Lucille Sleeth; 3 brothers, Chester, Tommy, and Elmer Harnden; 3 half-brothers, Clifford, Melvin, and Carl and a half-sister, Inez. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 12, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Ruth’s family present from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. to greet family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Richard Grimes officiating. Burial will follow services at Oak View Cemetery in Albia. Memorials have been established to the family or to the Comfort House in Pella.

Ruth Ann Courtney

December 19, 1943 - June 8, 2023