With heavy hearts, we share that Ruth, the beloved wife of our lead pastor, Quintin, went home to be with the Lord. Ruth was a woman of deep faith, joy, and kindness. Her life touched countless people in our church and community. Even as her health declined, she carried herself with grace, gratitude, and unwavering trust in God. Her spirit remained joyful, and her faith never wavered. As we grieve this tremendous loss, we also give thanks for the gift of Ruth’s life and rejoice that she is now in the presence of her Savior on September 8th, 2025.
Remembering Ruth
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We invite you to share a prayer, a memory, or a note of encouragement for Pastor Quintin and the family. Your words will bring comfort in the days ahead.
In Lieu of Flowers
In celebration of Ruth’s legacy, the family invites contributions to Valley Church in lieu of flowers.
Obituary
Ruth Stieff, 65, went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 8, 2025, at her home in Cumming, Iowa, surrounded by her family. She ran her race well to the very end, with profound joy, stubborn hope, and truly amazing grace.
Ruth was born May 15, 1960, to Thomas and Helen Cooper in Marion, Indiana. After graduating with honors from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, Ruth married Quintin Stieff in 1983, marking the beginning of a rich and beautiful 42 years as husband and wife. She and Quintin built a life of ministry, laughter, and unflagging mutual support, all while raising three children and leading churches in Glenwood, Iowa, and for 35 years at Valley Church in West Des Moines.
With her deep understanding and unwavering compassion, Ruth was a tireless advocate for people of all abilities. She championed hundreds of students through the organization she founded and as a driving force to launch Hand in Hand, the thriving special needs ministry at Valley Church. Through tutoring and coaching for families living with disabilities, Ruth was steadfast in honoring the unique gifts of others and working to help them develop those gifts.
Ruth cared greatly for everyone, and loved her family more than words could express. She was famous for her ready laughter, her ability to connect with friends, and for making others feel like they were the most treasured person in the room.
The final years of Ruth’s life on earth were marked by many physical struggles and a body that did not cooperate with Ruth’s vibrant spirit. She responded to these challenges, as she did with every aspect of life: with unrelenting hope and a peace rooted in the Gospel. Her life was a master class on tenacious faith in the presence and goodness of God.
Ruth was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Cooper, and mother, Helen Cooper.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Quintin; her three children, Angela (Daniel) Doyle, Maria (Kenny) Jackson, and Isaac; her grandchildren Nico, Luisa, and Esme; her brother Mike (Barbara) Cooper and sister Nancy (Greg) Staughn, as well as many nieces and nephews.
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