Ruth Ann Gerling, 90, of Carman, Illinois took her final journey home on March 22, 2018 at the D & L Adult Care Center in Peoria, Arizona. She was born July 20, 1927 in Algona, Iowa, the daughter of Charlie and Ruth Curran Clement. On October 20, 1950, she married Grant "Chic" Gerling. He preceded her in death on March 30, 1980.

At an early age, Ruth became an accomplished organist and pianist. She and Grant started their married life in Mediapolis, Iowa, and then moved to Carman, Illinois, where the farmed. They later wintered in Phoenix, Arizona.

To keep busy during the winters, Ruth Ann started learning tax preparations. She achieved Enrolled Agent status, and worked for H & R Block for the last 30 years, taking special care of her clients.

She is survived by her only daughter and son-in-law, Christine Gerling Cole and Larry Cole of Davenport, Iowa, her beloved grand pup, Beau, one sister, Charlene Lippolt of Humboldt, Iowa, one sister-in-law, Joan Gerling of Stronghurst, Illinois, one niece, Patty Parker of Ames, Iowa, and two nephews, Mike Oberman of Humboldt, and Charlie (Dawn) Oberman of Bloomington, Minnesota.

A memorial service will be held Saturday April 28, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst with Pastor Lisa Unger officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the memorial service. A memorial fund has been established for the Quad Cities Honor Flights. Please visit banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book or leave a condolence.