Ruth M. (Hughes) and Bryce D. Mabon
Ruth M. Mabon (Hughes), 91, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away on January 8, 2026, at Allen Hospital. Her husband, Bryce D. Mabon, passed away on July 23, 2020, at NorthCrest Specialty Care. Together, they shared more than 63 years of marriage, raised a family, built a successful business, and became familiar faces throughout the square dance community.
Ruth was born August 30, 1934, on the family farm near Hawkeye, Iowa, the second of four children born to Russell D. and Gretchen (King) Hughes. After graduating from Hawkeye High School in 1952, she attended Allen Nursing College in Waterloo and worked for Doctors Waterbury and Loomis.
Bryce was born May 28, 1936, on the family farm near Randalia, Iowa, the son of Hugh A. and Mabel J. Mabon. He graduated from Randalia High School in 1954 and served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957.
The couple married on July 6, 1957, at Hawkeye Methodist Church and made their home in Waterloo. In 1972, Ruth founded Mabon’s Country Store, a western and square dance apparel business that she and Bryce operated together for 40 years. Under their leadership, the store grew into one of the largest privately owned square dance apparel shops in the nation.
An accomplished seamstress, Ruth could make nearly anything with a needle and thread, from doll clothes to wedding gowns. During her years in business, she sewed thousands of square dance outfits. Even after retiring in 2012, she continued putting her talents to work for others, making fleece scarves and blankets for The Salvation Army and sewing more than 1,500 cloth face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bryce spent 29 years as a salesman for Gamble Robinson and managed concessions for NEITA Raceway for 11 years. A natural entertainer, he loved to sing and spent 30 years as a professional square dance caller. Few things brought him more enjoyment than making people smile and feel welcome.
Though their personalities were very different, Ruth and Bryce complemented one another well. Ruth was known for her determination, devotion to family, sharp sense of humor, and truly impressive streak of stubbornness. Bryce was remembered for his warmth, storytelling, and ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, and the community of friends they gathered along the way.
They are survived by their children, Tanjala Kole of Waterloo, Iowa; Sherene (Greg) Molnar of Denver, Iowa; Joel Mabon of Waterloo, Iowa; and Duane (Sara) Mabon of Luverne, Minnesota; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; Ruth’s sister, Shirley Gibbs of Hawkeye, Iowa; and Ruth’s brother, Howard Hughes of Hawkeye, Iowa.
They were preceded in death by their parents; Bryce’s brothers, Elwood (Harriet) Mabon and Lowell (Cleola) Mabon; Bryce’s sister, Nayda Hrdlicka; Ruth’s brother, Dale Hughes; an infant son, Douglas Duane Mabon; and an infant daughter, Tricia Ann Mabon.
A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.
The family extends its sincere gratitude to the caregivers of UnityPoint Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Bryce during his final days, and to the staff of Allen Hospital for the care and kindness shown to Ruth in her final days.
Memorials may be directed to Tanjala Kole, 6469 Cutler Street, Waterloo, Iowa 50703.