Find A Grave contributor James Kallenbach has provided the following:

Here is the dedication from Ruth's funeral;

In Memoriam: Ruth Leslie Kallenbach was born in Calamus, Iowa on June 23, 1896. She received most of her education in the schools of Moline, Illinois and O'Brien County, Iowa, where the family resided at different times. She held the position of telephone operator for two years in Davenport and three years in DeWitt, Iowa. On her 27th birthday she married John G. Blank, and the new couple made their home in Peoria, Illinois. She was only permitted to be the cherished mistress of this home for six short weeks, when the Angel of Death claimed her on Aug 9, 1923, age 27 years, one month and 16 days, after all that skill and love could do had been done for her.

She leaves to mourn her early passing, her husband, John G. Blank of Peoria, Il; her parents, Mr and Mrs Frank Kallenbach; two sisters, Mrs Frances Harrington, living near Dewitt; and Evelyn, at home, and many relatives and friends who feel that life isn't quite the same since Ruth has gone.

The funeral services were held from the Kallenbach home in East Dewitt, Sunday at 2:30 in the afternoon, conducted in a truly beautiful manner by Rev. J M Weddell of the Baptist church. Miss Mildred Quigley sang “Perfect Day,” and the choir of the Congregational Church sang “Nearer My God to Thee,” “Abide by Me,” “Lead Kindly Light,” and “Rock of Ages.” The remains were tenderly borne to their last resting place in quiet Elmwood by Carl Bloom, Francis McDevitt, Will Meyer, Sidney Staubach, Leslie Blocker, and Dr. C Q Kratz.

The deceased was possessed of the sunny, loving disposition that makes friends easily, and there are many who will never forget the smile and pleasant word of greeting she had for everyone. In her work for the public, she was obliging, courteous and kind. In her home she was always a helpful and loving daughter and sister. It can be truly said of her, "She was a sweet and womanly woman," and that is the finest thing that can be said of any woman.

Sad indeed is the passing of this dear young girl, and the sympathy of the entire community is extended to her sorrowing relatives. We cannot always understand these things that happen day by day; our tear-filled eyes can only see the sorrow that's along the way, but if we'll put our hand in God's and just trust HIM, He will do the rest. Some day we'll know the reason why and find that God knew best.

The floral tributes were many and lovely, telling mutely of the affection which Ruth's friends held for her, and helping to carry out a wish she had once expressed in talking of her death, that she might be covered in flowers. Especially beautiful were the offerings of the telephone operators at De Witt, Low Moor, Spencer and Davenport, and also from the Kelly-Springfield Tire Co., by which firm the husband of the deceased is employed. The flower girls were Misses Florence McDevitt, Lillian
Ryan, Mildred Fell, Mrs Leola Morrissey, Mrs Mamie Leanman and Mrs Ida McDonald, all very dear friends to Ruth.

Relatives from a distance who attended the funeral were Mr and Mrs George Blank of Kiester, Minn; E.C. Noonan and mother, and Mr and Mrs Whitted of Geneseo, Il; Mr and Mrs Roe Shepherd of Clinton,Iowa and Mrs John Kuehl of Hartley; Mrs Louis Riechert and daughter of Fresno, Ca; and numerous relatives from the Tri-Cities.

ADDITIONAL NOTE -- Ruth was left with a very bad heart after she was seriously ill with pneumonia as a child (possibly with rheumatic fever). She was very talented in music and art. She painted many pretty pictures, as she was unable to be very physically active. As a telephone operator, she could only work shortened shifts, and needed to rest more often. Her husband was a tire salesman, and died two years after Ruth.