Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
HEINZ, Ruth
HEINZ, Ruth. (Joliet, IL, Sept. 9, 1924--Dubuque, IA, Apr. 20, 1996). Heinz, manager of the BETTY JANE HOMEMADE CANDIES store at KENNEDY MALL for twenty years, was the daughter of Peter J. KLOSTON, founder of the company. Heinz and her husband, John W. HEINZ were partners in the company with her father until his death. Heinz and her husband were then partners in the company until a corporation was formed in 1981 adding their son, John P. Heinz, as a third shareholder.
In 1972 Heinz became the first woman member of the Kennedy Mall Merchants Board of Directors when she was asked to complete the unexpired term of another member. She was reelected every succeeding year until she resigned in 1992. Heinz was instrumental in opening a branch of Betty Jane Candies at the Mall in 1972.
