Ruth L. Brownlee

Ruth L. Brownlee, age 93, of Emmetsburg, IA, and formerly of Carroll, IA, passed away on Monday, September 2, 2019 at Lakeside Lutheran Home in Emmetsburg.

Born on September 13, 1925 at rural Ayrshire, IA, she was the daughter of Fred and Sadie (Bley) Brattmiller.  She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Ayrshire on October 11, 1925 and was confirmed in the Lutheran faith on May 14, 1938.  Ruth graduated from Silver Lake High School in Ayrshire on May 14, 1943.  For a time, Ruth worked at a photography studio in Emmetsburg and then attended Ft. Dodge Beauty Academy, graduating in 1945.  She operated her own beauty shop at Ayrshire and Ruthven.  Ruth was married to Raymond Brownlee of Manson, IA, on November 9, 1947 at Zion Lutheran Church in Ayrshire.  They became the parents of two children: Elaine, born in 1951 and Robert in 1955.  They first lived in Jolley and later moved to Rockwell City and Sac City where her husband was manager of Westerman’s Home Center.  They moved to Carroll in 1980 where she was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and was a member of the St. Anthony Hospital Auxiliary for 30 years.  Ruth enjoyed gardening, traveling, and being with friends and family.

Ruth is survived by her two children: Elaine Corwin (Michael) of Bella Vista, AR, and Robert Brownlee of Osceola, IA; two grandchildren: Andrew Long (Laura) of Oklahoma City, OK, and Susie Kelly (Matthew) of Fairfax, VA; five great-grandchildren: Warren, James and Jack Kelly and Maddie and Della Long; two brothers: James Brattmiller (Hope) of Spirit Lake and California, and Fred Brattmiller of Emmetsburg; a sister, Doris Rosberg of Wausau, NE; a brother-in-law Donald Brownlee (Marilla) of Rockwell City; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bratmiller; her mother- and father-in-law Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Brownlee; and two brothers.

Private family services will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com.