Ruth Bierbaum, 81, of Atlantic, IA, died Saturday afternoon, January 16, 2010 at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, NE.

Ruth Margaret Evans was born in Lewis, IA, on September 26, 1928, the daughter of Harry and Leila (Applegate) Evans. Ruth graduated from Griswold High School in 1946 and on June 1, 1947 married Cleo Wayne Bierbaum at Griswold. They lived in Boone, Estherville and Eldora, IA, before moving to Hamilton, IL in 1953 where they owned and operated a dry cleaning business. Cleo died on October 27, 1977 and Ruth then worked as a banker in Hamilton before moving to Greeley, CO, where she worked in a bank and for a publishing business. After she retired, she moved to Louisville, NE and 10 years ago, moved to Atlantic. Ruth enjoyed playing bridge and she was very faithful in attending the Company M Reunion held every October in Red Oak, IA.

Survivors include her 3 sons and 6 Grandchildren: Tom Bierbaum and his wife Kathy Schwab of Hingham, MA, and their sons Tim and Chris; David Bierbaum and his wife Cynthia of Hamilton, IL, and their daughter Ceara (Nate) Alexander; and Rick Bierbaum and his wife Sheri of Phoenix, AZ and their children Bryan, Courtney and Alana. Also surviving is her brother Robert Evans and his wife Doris of Elliott as well as several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Ruth in death were her parents, her sisters Lois Beck and Lucille Rothe, her brother Ellis Evans and her granddaughter Caylee Bierbaum.

Funeral services will be held at the Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold, at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 23, 2010, Pastor Nancy Jensen officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant Township Cemetery south of Griswold. Open visitation will be held at the Duhn Funeral Home and the family will be present from 5:30 to 7:30 on Friday evening.