Donna Marie (Ruchti) Myers, age 90, of Whiting, Iowa (formerly of Mapleton, Iowa) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Pleasant View Care Center of Whiting, Iowa.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the St. Peter’s United Church of Christ of Mapleton, Iowa. Pastor Linda Boggs will officiate. Committal services will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Mapleton, Iowa.
A Visitation will be held one hour prior from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the St. Peter’s United Church of Christ of Mapleton, Iowa.
The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Homes of Ute and Mapleton, Iowa, are in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.armstrongfuneral.com
Donna was born on August 12, 1935. She grew up on a farm northwest of Mapleton, Iowa, alongside her younger sister and seven younger brothers. Farm life instilled in her the strong work ethic and deep love of family that remained with her throughout her life.
On May 17, 1952, Donna married Lloyd “Shorty” Myers Sr. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. They were blessed with six children, though their youngest passed away in infancy. Donna and Shorty lived in several communities before eventually settling in Mapleton, where they raised their five children.
Donna was an excellent and devoted mother who raised her children to become responsible, hardworking, and God-fearing adults. Known for her determination and dedication, she worked many different jobs throughout her life and excelled at them all.
In 1965, Donna and Shorty moved their family to Seattle, Washington. During their time there, Donna worked for a house cleaning company while Shorty drove a truck for Sears. After nine months away, they decided Seattle was not the place they wanted to raise their five children, and they returned home to Mapleton.
Back in Mapleton, Donna continued her hardworking life, taking on various jobs including housekeeping, cleaning homes, the local doctor offices, local businesses, and helping care for facilities and clean St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, where she was a devoted member. She also belonged to the Ladies Aid group the Moonlighters at the church and enjoyed the friendships she made there.
Donna will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose life was devoted to her family and her faith.
She is survived by her daughter, Laura Martz of Charter Oak, IA; daughter-in-law, Veta Myers of Springfield, MO; 9 grandchildren: Elisha (John) Karr, Kenny (Heather) Myers, Cody (Stacy) Myers, Lacy (Leathen) Richards, Candice (Alvy) Fite, Marie Pearl, Erica (Jeremy) Sweeney, J.R. (Bette) Martz, and Jessi (Fred) Jepsen; 15 great-grandchildren: Kirsten, Matthew, Micah, Connor, Lauren, Avery, Brenna, Haydyn, Irelynn, Carver, Logan, Olivia, Hailey, Tajel, and Sofia; and 3 great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Bruce Ruchti of Mapleton, IA and Jeff (Candy) Ruchti of Swiss Holm, OR; sister, Deanna Lawson of Mapleton, IA; sister-in-law, Deb Ruchti of Onawa, IA; nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lloyd “Shorty” Myers Sr.; sons: Lloyd (Wanita) Jr., Loren, Lowell, and Leslie Jay; daughter, Loretta Sanderson; parents, Cornelius and Meta (Hauschildt) Ruchti; great-great grandson, Keagan; brothers, Leon, Mark, Larry (Judy), Duane, Denny (Kum “Becky” Cha Pak); sister, Cheryl Ruchti (Infancy); and brother-in-law, Albert Lawson.
Donna’s legacy of strength, faith, and devotion to family will live on in the many lives she touched.
Previous Events
Visitation
8
Apr
510 Ring Street
Mapleton, IA 51034
Funeral Service
8
Apr
510 Ring Street
Mapleton, IA 51034
