Ruth Marie Schissel, 87

Ruth Marie Schissel, age 87, of Waverly, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly in her home on November 1, 2025.

Ruth was born on September 28, 1938, in rural Alta Vista, Iowa, to Ernest and Norma (Gronwoldt) Bill. The oldest of four children, she grew up on the family dairy farm, where responsibility, hard work, and family togetherness shaped her early life. There were always chores to do, but there was also always love.

In her late teens, Ruth met the love of her life, Rodney Schissel, and the two were united in marriage on October 17, 1955, at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma, Iowa. They welcomed three children and built a life filled with faith, family, and farming. While Rod worked in agriculture, Ruth dedicated herself to raising her children, tending a large garden, canning, and cooking. Her baking remained a treasured gift throughout her life, with favorites including her pumpkin bread, banana bread, and her famous Oreo pudding dessert.

After their children were grown, Ruth and Rod moved to Waterloo, where Ruth began working at K-Mart. She remained there for over two decades. When Rod passed away at the young age of 54, Ruth continued to find strength in her community and routines—bowling league nights, and cherished morning coffee gatherings with friends at Hy-Vee. In 1995, Ruth’s life was blessed again when she met Harold Wille. Together they shared 29 years of loving companionship.

Ruth loved to travel, making cherished memories with Rod on several trips across the United States, including trips to Hawaii, and later traveling with Harold to Norway and many other destinations. She looked forward to at least one bus trip each year and treasured yearly cabin getaways in northern Minnesota with her sister.

Ruth was a devout Christian, attending church throughout her life and found comfort, clarity and inspiration in her relationship with God.

Always stylish and spirited, Ruth never missed an opportunity to have her hair done and nails perfectly polished. She loved polka dancing, bowling, and attending local Molly B concerts. But above all, she loved people. Ruth delighted in spoiling those she cared about—her family, friends, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her beloved grand-pups, Taffy and Mella.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Rod; her son, Steve; her longtime sweetheart, Harold; her parents; her brother Leroy; sisters-in-law Janet and Annette; and brother-in-law Merwood.

She is survived by her sister, Darlys Storhoff; her brother Richard (Lucille) Bill; her daughter Della Kobliska (Larry McKinnon); her son Lee (Laurie) Schissel; grandchildren Rodney (Kelly) Kobliska, Rachael Kobliska (Jon Allison), Ryan (Denise) Schissel, Brandon Schissel, Amanda Dettmer (Eric Miklo), Leigh (James) Conklin; seven great-grandchildren, with an eighth arriving soon; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ruth will be remembered as a fashionable, spunky, caring and deeply loving woman. Her legacy of kindness, faith, and joy will continue in the hearts of all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly and an hour before the service at the church.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 7th at 10:30 am at St. Mary Catholic Church in Waverly with Fr. Doug Wathier presiding. Burial will follow in Mt Olivet Cemetery in Waterloo. Memorials may be directed to the Waverly Area Veterans Post and online condolences for Ruth can be left at www.kaisercorson.com.