CEDAR RAPIDS:  Ruth Hite, 97, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026 at Northbrook Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Cedar Rapids.

A memorial visitation will be held from 10:00-10:30 AM, Friday, May 1, 2026 at the Oakland Church of the Nazarene in Cedar Rapids, followed by a memorial service.

Ruth was born on February 23, 1929 to Leslie and Lida (Moon) Anthony in Grand River, Iowa. Prior to her retirement, she worked as a food service manager in the Cedar Rapids Community School District and served many years as the president of the District's Food Service Association.

Ruth was an active member of Oakland Church of the Nazarene. Ruth had a deep faith in God and was blessed to be of service to others.  Volunteering in the Addiction Recovery Program, she enjoyed counseling from a Christian perspective.  She loved spending time with family and friends, music, baking, praying and reading.

Ruth is survived by her son, Denny (JoAnn) Elliott; daughters, Terry Braum and Debbie (Michael) Scaglione; five grandchildren, Krista Smith, Stacy (Mike) Jochims, Lisa (Oscar) Richie, Matt (Molly) Elliott, and Jenna (Jeff) Gillaspie; 21 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren.  Ruth is also survived by her loving sisters, Mary (Neil) Cantonwine and Martha Darling; and dear friend, Susan Rauch.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, James Elliott, Keith Cherryholmes and Don Hite; her daughter, Patricia Opaczewski; granddaughters, Danelle Short and Amanda Holman; and brother, David Anthony.

Ruth will be forever in our hearts.  Rest peacefully in your heavenly home.