Ruth A. Bird

GUTTENBERG, IOWA

Ruth A. “Ruthie” (Harbaugh) Bird, 97, of Guttenberg, IA, passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Guttenberg Care Center in Guttenberg, IA, surrounded by loved ones. She is now absent from the body and in the presence of the Lord, Jesus whom she loved.

Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg, IA where funeral services will commence at 1:15 p.m. Burial will follow services at Cedar Memorial Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Ruth was born April 6, 1929, in Guttenberg, IA, daughter of Elmer and Bertha (Staebler) Harbaugh. She married Merlin Nickolas Bird on May 12, 1947, at the Immaculate Conception Church in North Buena Vista, IA.

Ruth enjoyed being a homemaker and a mother to her children while providing daycare for other children. She loved raising her four children and making each holiday and birthday special for everyone-from outdoor decorating to big dinners and beautiful table settings. Everyone cherished a birthday cake and homemade ice cream from Ruth. She and Merlin enjoyed growing a large garden over the years at their home in Cedar Rapids. Ruth canned many quarts of tomato juice, green beans, beets, garden relish, jelly, and delicious pears from the trees in their yard.

Ruth had an interest in photography and created countless photo albums, as well as a collection of newspaper clippings. She also enjoyed playing cards and hosted countless games that were the center of family gatherings. Ruth’s cooking was phenomenal, and she was especially well known for her sour milk pancakes. “Ruth’s sour milk pancakes were everyone’s favorite, on the cast iron griddle. We will all miss saying, ‘make mine bigger.”

Ruth is survived by her children, Pat Pisney of Atkins, IA, Joyce (Ken) Wilson of Ridgecrest, CA, and Mary (Dale) Barnes of Hartley, IA; nine grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild with another on the way.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Merlin; parents, Elmer and Bertha; daughter, Julie K. (Bird) Johnson; son-in-law, Dave Pisney; brothers, Charles “Son” Harbaugh, Harlan Harbaugh, and Jack Dean Harbaugh; and sisters, Sheila Harbaugh and Marguerite Rentschler.

The family would like to thank River Living Center and the Guttenberg Care Center. Ruthie found some forever friends and extended family from the love and care she received there.

Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.