Ruth Winker 1951-2026
Ruth Marie (Reagan) Winker of Springdale, Arkansas, formally of Marion, Iowa, passed away on April 19, 2026, following a hard-fought battle with Alzheimer's.

Ruth was born in Iowa Falls, IA on December 30, 1951, to Keith and Harriet (Hillhouse) Reagan. She graduated from Carroll High school in Carroll, IA in 1970. She was united in marriage to James Winker on May 8, 1971. Together, they welcomed two daughters, eventually settling in Cedar Rapids, IA in 1979, where they raised their girls.

Ruth spent her whole life caring for others and perfecting her "hostess with the mostest" reputation. There was never a meal she couldn't make you from scratch, a home that she didn't have decorated to perfection, a craft she couldn't whip up at a moments notice, or a flower she couldn't grow. Ruth spent many years as a preschool teacher, and then director, of Kids Inc. in Marion before retiring in 2017. Kids were the light of Ruth's life, whether it be her own grandchildren, or the kids she cared for at work. If you wanted to see Ruth sparkle, all you had to do was put her in a room of her favorite little humans. She always said it was great to be a mom, but amazing to be promoted to Grandma. She delighted in both roles. In 2019, Jim and Ruth moved to Arkansas to enjoy retirement where they could golf all year round, and to escape the Iowa winters.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband Jim and daughters Jenny (Tom) Fredrickson of Marion, IA and Amy Winker of Cedar Rapids, IA. Grandchildren; Marly Fredrickson of Marion, IA, Carter (Anna) Fredrickson of Solon, IA, AJ (Emma) Wenger of Marion, IA, and Lily Wenger of Cedar Rapids, IA. Brother Rick (Tina) Reagan of Fayetteville, AR, Brother-in-law Steve (Cindy) Winker of Ashland City, TN, sister-in-law Gail (Roger) Simmering of Washington, IA., many nieces, nephews, and her beloved pup, Beau Jangles.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, brother Marlyn Reagan, sister and brother-in-law Diane and Ray Loux, and parents-in-law Daryl and Inez Winker.

A celebration of life will be held in Marion, Iowa on June 27.

The family would like to thank the staff at Circle of Life hospice in Springdale, for the excellent care and compassion extended to both Ruth, and her family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cremations Only LLC.