Ruth Ann (Hoover) Thoene, 73, of South Sioux City died Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, at her home after a long illness. Per Ruth's wishes, her body was cremated. Arrangements were under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Ruth was born May 24, 1939, the daughter of Pat and Vivian Hoover and raised by her grandparents, William and Bernice Altimus. She grew up in the South Bottoms area of Sioux City and went to Sioux City Schools. She has two brothers, Bo and Fuzzy and one sister, Caroline Sitzman. She married Michael Thoene in 1959. They were blessed with six children. They divorced and she later had a special companion, Russell Messerly. Ruth worked for many years at the area Goodwill Stores. Her hobbies included fishing, crosswords, puzzles and spending time with her grandchildren. She loved horses, chocolate candy and Mexican food. She liked John Denver; Sunshine on My Shoulders was her favorite song. As a child, she liked to ride bikes and roller skate. Survivors include four daughters, Ruthey and John Moravec, Lynn Weaver, Terri Sanderson and Frank Richardson and Andrea Meyer-Thoene; two sons, Michael Thoene and Karen Lamonds and Mark and Debbie Thoene; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; ex-husband; one grandson; a special companion; and a brother, Randy Hoover. She will be missed by all.