On Monday, 10 August 2026, Ruth Elizabeth “Ruthie” Briggs (Darrah), at the age of 88 years, at the family homestead, known as the “Purple Palace” in Libertyville, Iowa, passed away, alone. Unexpected health issues prompted her unforeseen demise.
Since 1966, Ruthie’s impact of the Libertyville and Fairfield communities has been inspiring and noteworthy. With her death, “great Crone knowledge and a Wise Woman of the Village” is gone.
From a rural birth in Des Moines County, Iowa of a mother hailing directly from Ireland, to a childhood on a modest rustic Northeastern Missouri farm, to military service as an enlisted member, 1956-1958, of the United States Army Women’s Army Corps with service in Alabama and Virginia, to a wedding in Fort Madison, Iowa, to subsequently arriving in Fairfield, and ultimately, Libertyville: it was a life lived well with a solid foundation of traditional “Olde School” Values, a “Can Do” spirit, and work ethic which left many contemporaries and peers in a state of amazement and deep respect. “Ruthie Briggs was always a straight shooter!”
As an Athlete-Scholar at her Bible Grove, Missouri school, and later military service at Fort Lee, VA; Ruthie played Softball, ran Track & Field events, was a Forward and Guard on the Ladies Basketball teams. Her passion for sports later translated into supporting her five sons in a variety of competitions (Cross Country, Track & Field, Pee Wee Wresting in Fairfield Community Schools, Little League baseball with the Libertyville Red Socks). Ruthie LOVED the old “Six-On-Six” Girls Basketball competitions! The Iowa Hawkeyes, Saint Louis Cardinals and the late great NASCAR Legend, Dale Earnhardt always prompted her support and cheers.
Her continued developmental support of her sons and other Libertyville youth manifest as a BSA Den Mother, Den 1, Pack 7 in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Ruthie continued supporting many neighborhood youths via “kitchen table talks – Ethics, Manners, Morals, Scruples, Principles, Values”. Words coupled with adventures in Family Camping and as a “Scout Mom” with Troop 64, First United Methodist Church, Fairfield, IA. In 2019, Ruthie was presented with her BSA Eagle Scout Grandparent pin and certificate based on her long-distance telephone mentorship from one of her grandsons.
Ruthie epitomized the essence of a true “Servant-Leader”, based on the variety of civic and community positions coupled withher employment history. To wit, many folks may not know that after military service, Ruthie became a Licensed Cosmetologist & Beautician only to place that career path on the shelf.Prompted by a salary and health benefits for her family, she worked at a local factory—American Chain and Cable. Additionally, later, Ruthie was employed with Rockwell International/Meritor. She was a co-founder of Briggs Upholstery! Other jobs: a Waitress at the Maid Rite, a Janitor with Libertyville Elementary School, and a Pre-K Classroom Aide with a local Parochial School in Fairfield.
In 2011, an “anonymous Campaign Manager” launched a Write-In Ballot for Ruthie in Libertyville Municipal elections: she won two positions – Mayor and Councilwoman. Ever, a lady to serve, quietly, in our communities. Family first-always, caring and sharing, too.
Ruthie had a variety of hobbies and interests such as Reading, Genealogy, Quilting, Dancing and Music—especially Rock-n-Roll with Elvis Presley, Big Band with Glen Miller, Jazz featuring Dave Brubeck, Irish tunes with Celtic Women, and anyone of “the ORIGINAL Rat Pack”.
Activities such as gardening brought her joy as she would often donate fresh fruits and vegetables and home baked goods to elderly neighbors on limited incomes or needy families.
Surviving are four sons; Richard Arlington “Rick” Jr., Gregory Lynn, (son, Jeffrey Duncan passed in 1997), Leslie Fredrick, and Patrick Frank, grandchildren, Catelyn, Jennifer, Madelaine (“Maddy”), Melaynne, Richard Arlington, III (“Tre’ ”), Connor, and Jeremy LeClair, two great-grandchildren Jameson and Noahand one niece Wendy Lee Darrah.
Preceding Ruthie in final rest are husband Richard Arlington “Dick” Briggs, son Jeffrey Duncan, parents Frank Earl Darrah, Sarah Agnes “Sadie” Davidson (Richmond), siblings Mary Bonnor, Frances Sutton, Frank Earl Darrah, Jr., and Dale Albert Darrah.
Visitation is scheduled for Monday 17 August 2026, from 4:00-7:00PM at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Funeral services will be Tuesday, 18 August at 11:00AM at Behner Funeral Home. Graveside with military honors provided by the Edina American Legion, at the family plot located in the Greensburg Cemetery, Knox County, Baring, MO.
Floral Arrangements may be sent to Behner Funeral Home and Crematory. However, in the spirit of Ruthie’s giving—supporting education for Youth and comfort for needy persons; donations can be directed to the Scholarships | WACVA-AWU or The Lord’s Cupboard of Jefferson County.