Ruth Lucille Fender, daughter of Albert and Ethel (Hall) Kiper, was born on October 25, 1922, in Clarinda, Iowa. She passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at the Garden View Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa, at the age of 86.
Most of her childhood and early adult life was spent on the family farm outside of Clarinda near Shambaugh. Ruth received her education in the Shambaugh school system. In 1944, she spent a year at CEI (the Chicago Evangelistic Institute).
On February 4, 1951, Ruth was united in marriage to the love of her life, Wayne Fender, in Shenandoah. Following their marriage they resided in Shenandoah. To this union four children were born, Marvin, Gene, Arlene and John.
For most of her life, Ruth's most important role was as a wife and mother to her husband and children. She worked for Lewis Cleaners in the late 40's, the Donut Stop from the late 70's to the mid 80's. Ruth was a charter member of the Shenandoah Church of the Nazarene, having served as Missionary President, church board member, and as a Sunday School teacher. Some of Ruth's interests were crocheting, sewing, gardening and collecting salt and pepper shakers. Most of all she enjoyed keeping in touch with her children and grandchildren as well as her extended family.
Preceding Ruth in death were her parents; husband, Wayne Fender; four brothers, Wilbert, Arthur, Delbert and Lysle Kiper; and three sisters, Pauline Kiper, Frances Kiper and Violet Beery.
Left to cherish her memory are her four children, Marvin Fender and wife Carol of Casper, WY., Gene Fender and wife Sheri of Loveland, CO., Arlene Fender of Bonner Springs, KS, and John A. Fender and wife Jennifer of Des Moines, IA; 10 grandchildren and step grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and step great grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2009 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah, Iowa with Pastor Trevor Skalberg officiating. Attending to the memorial register was Marita Horn. Special music for the service was provided by Gene Fender. Special recorded music included "In The Garden", "I Can Only Imagine" and "Untitled Hymn". Casket Bearers included Henry Fender, Curtis Hilding, S.T. Taylor, John Fender, Gene Fender and Marvin Fender. Burial followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery with Rev. S.T. Taylor conducting the graveside services.