Harry and Ruth Coats

Harry J. Coats was born September 14, 1931 at Madison, South Dakota, the son of Nathan O. and Frances Rose (Hurry) Coats. He graduated from Madison High School in 1949 and began working for Farley Loettcher Cabinet Company. Ruth Ann Rudolph was born September 25, 1933 at Volin, South Dakota, the daughter of Joseph and Julia (Vanek) Rudolph. She attended school at Volin and Wakonda. Ruths father passed away when she was a young lady and she and her mother moved to Sioux Falls. Harry worked with Daniel Rudolph, Ruths brother, at the cabinet company and Daniel introduced Harry to Ruth. They were married November 5, 1951 in Sioux Falls. After cabinet making, Harry began working at John Morrell Company, did home remodeling & gunsmithing, and later in life operated his business Harry's Service which focused primarily on residential HVAC. Ruth worked at Dinsmore Sash and Balance Co. Ruth later stayed at home caring for her children and running a daycare. Harry collected coins for many years. Ruth enjoyed needlework, crochet, embroidery and knitting. She also planted a garden and canned much of her produce. Harry and Ruth are survived by their children, Timothy (Kathy) Coats, Rebecca (Robert) Smith, Regina Merriman, Monica (Les) Iseminger, Theodore (Peggy) Coats, Melinda (Ron) Keefer and Laura (Bryan) Keil; 24 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Additionally, Harry has one brother, Richard Coats. Ruth has two sisters, Lucille Vehe and Millie Lutz. Harrys parents preceded him in death as well as five siblings, Loraine Miller, Terry Miller, Jim Coats, Ruth Hof, and Elinor Peterson, whose husband, Elwood, was like a brother to Harry. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings, Helen Hanson, Isabelle Warring, Dorothy Starnes, Daniel Rudolph and LaVerna Rudolph. Both were preceded by their first born son Johnny Lee Coats.