Ruth Ann Younker

Ruth Ann Pepke was born September 21, 1939 in Winona, Minnesota, the daughter of Frank Floyd Pepke and Eva Christian Holzer.  Ruth grew up in Reno, Nevada and graduated from Sparks High School (near Reno) in 1957.  After graduating from high school, Ruth married Maurice Petrie, a high school teacher.  They had one child, John Petrie.  Ruth would later marry Fred O. Younker, April 28, 1969.  Ruth and Fred lived in Reno, Nevada for several years where Ruth worked at the Union Federal Savings and Loan.  She would eventually rise to branch manager and Vice President for the bank.  After 20 years, she retired and she and Fred moved to Fallon, Nevada where they built their own home.  She joined Fred in a Medical Transport business for several years, and then they both retired to enjoy family, friends and traveling.  Around 2008 Ruth began to notice problems with moving her hand.  Doctors could not diagnose her illness but it was some sort of nerve degeneration that spread to her entire body, making it difficult to walk, eat or talk.  She and Fred traveled as much as possible for the next four hears. Her last two years she was limited to a wheelchair, but Fred continued to take care of her at home.  In October of 2013, Fred decided to sell their Fallon home and move to Berrien Springs, where they could be closer to Fred’s family.  During the last 4 months Ruth’s health continued to deteriorate until she fell peacefully asleep in Christ, Monday morning at 9:30am, March 3, 2014 in the comfort of her home.  Ruth is survived by her husband, Fred, son John, daughter-in law, Jan, grandson Jeffery, his wife Janie, great granddaughter Jocylin, step-sons, Randy and Greg, step-daughter Lisa, brother Roger, half-brothers Joseph and Gary.  She now awaits the resurrection promised by the Lord, at His second coming.