Barbara was born on December 13, 1942 in Davenport, Iowa to William Jesse and Arline (Heldt) Carner. Barbara grew up in Argo, Iowa where she attended a one room school and later Bettendorf High School, graduating with the class of 1961. She then attended the Clinton Academy of Beauty, graduating in 1962, working as a beautician at Opal Marie’s Beauty Shop in downtown Davenport, and later out of her own home.
Barbara married the love of her life, Dwain Roger Ruser, on April 11, 1964 at Bettendorf Presbyterian Church. They later became long-time members of both St. Mark Lutheran Church and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport. Barb and Dwain celebrated 53 years of marriage, renewing their wedding vows during their 50th anniversary. After taking time to be at home to raise her two children, Barbara had the opportunity to work as a paraeducator at Wilson Elementary School in Davenport for 32 years. Working as the Skills Room Supervisor for many of those years, Barb put her caring nature to good use helping to guide students with behavior concerns.
Barb was active in the community volunteering as a Camp Fire Girl leader, 4-H leader, Sunday school, and Bible school helper at St. Paul. She was a most kind and caring lady, always putting others before herself, and to whom family was the most important thing in her life. She always had a story to share about her childhood and was so proud of her family heritage and history. She cared so much for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and passed on her love of sewing and crafts to them. Barbara made cards by hand, using her artistic talents, for each grandchild for each major holiday, always including a one dollar bill, much to their delight. Barbara also enjoyed baking, passing on many family recipes, and listening to Elvis music.
Those left to honor her memory include her daughter, Donna (Tim) Hejhal of New Hampton, IA; son, Steve (Allie) Ruser of Orion, IL; grandchildren, Sara (Chris) Wernimont, Trevor (Renee) Hejhal, Danielle (Luke) Wagner, Haley and Elijah Ruser; great-grandchildren Noraa, Scarlett, Tristen, and Myles Wernimont, and Lincoln, Lydia, and Everett Wagner; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews and their families. Barbara will also be greatly missed by her cat, Mosi, who was a true source of comfort and companionship for the past six years. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Dwain, in 2017; her parents, brother Bill Carner, sister Nadine Carner Jones, and one nephew.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 30th at 11:00 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, American Diabetes Association, or charity of choice.
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