Ruth was born on August 24, 1918 to Mila Bell and George Harrison Turbett. After her father passed away, Mila married Theodore Brubaker.

Ruth was a lifelong resident of Des Moines and active member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church. She graduated from North High School in 1936 and maintained many long-term friendships with her classmates.

In 1938 she married Emery Gustafson. During WWII, Ruth served as a dental assistant at various military bases which included Santa Ana, Fort Dicks, and Temple, TX. She later went on to work for her brother-in-law Dr. John Gustafson as a dental assistant.

Emery and Ruth had three children, Todd (Helen), Philip (Susan), and Jean (Chris); five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren (with one on the way), and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Emery, companion Jesse (Jack) Grange, her sister Jean Smith Chenowith, and brothers Franklin Turbett and Ted Brubaker.

Ruth was known to friends as Tootie, and was deeply loved by everyone who knew her. Her home was open to students, friends, and travelers. She was a beloved and kind soul who found the positive in every person and in life. Ruthie loved painting, crossword puzzles, Scrabble, and watching goldfinches in her backyard. She and her friend, Evelyn Selin, enjoyed road trips and picnics, which always included a thermos of coffee.

Ruth left this life at Lutheran Hospital on May 25, 2015. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2015, at 4 p.m. with visitation to follow until 7 p.m., at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. Interment will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2015, at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, 1 NE 60th Avenue, Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Iowa Chapter, 4150 Westown Parkway Suite #203, West Des Moines, IA 50266, or to Highland Park Presbyterian Church.