Frances Ruth Sands–Jerke, 78, passed away Sunday, July 5, at Faith Health in Norfolk. She was born in Maryville, MO Feb. 20, 1948, to Donald and Helen (Snowdall) Hixson.

Ruth graduated from South Page Schools, College Springs, IA and Wayne State College. Ruth married Richard Sands Jan. 28, 1968, in College Springs, IA. He passed away in 1990. She later married Daryl Jerke Sept. 4, 1993, in Laurel. Her career as a nursing home administrator spanned from 1995 to 2022 in the communities of Harvard, Waverly, North Platte, Kearney, Falls City, Hebron, and finally Laurel before her retirement.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Dawn (Chuck) Hirschman of Coleridge; son, Patrick (Shellyn) Sands of Firth; four grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; siblings; John (Mary) Hixson, Bud (Kathy) Hixson, Barb Chubb, Connie (Paul Erzer) Hixson and Dee (Gary) Huseman; nieces; nephews and cousins.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Richard in 1990 and Daryl 2016; brother, Ralph Hixson; and brotherin- law, Steve Chubb.

Funeral services took place at Faith Community Church in Laurel, Friday July 10 at 11 a.m. Visitation was held at teh church before the service. Interment was at Laurel Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Ruth’s family for later designation.

Hasemann Funeral Home of Wayne is serving the family.