Ben Ruter, 78, of Kanawha passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2000 at the North Iowa Mercy Health Center in Mason City, Iowa. Ben the son of Hammond and Dena (Riekens) Ruter was born May 17, 1921, on the family farm southwest of Kanawha.  He attended country school and later farmed with his parents. Ben was united in marriage with Florence Abbas on December 25, 1941 at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church Parsonage with the late Rev. D.H. Plesscher officiating.  The couple farmed southwest of Kanawha for 44 years before retiring in 1986.  Following their retirement, they moved into Kanawha where they have since resided. Ben was devoted to his family and grandchildren.  He enjoyed going for rides in the country and looking at the various farms and crops. Ben is survived by his wife, Florence of Kanawha; one son Harvey Ruter and his wife, Deb of Kanawha; four grandchildren, Jordon, Amanda, Morgan, and Benjamin; one sister Grace and her husband, Virgil Stille of Klemme; and one brother Glen Ruter and his wife, Carolyn of Kanawha. He was preceded in death by his parents.