Ruth Elaine Ward

Ruth Elaine Ward, age 83, passed away while visiting her cousin, Carl Kittle on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Christus Spohn Shoreline Hospital in Corpus Christi, TX.

Ruth was born in Palisade, NE on August 6, 1932 to George F. and Bertha Mae Kittle Peterson. She graduated from Hayes Center High School in 1950.

Ruth married Robert Lee Ward on April 29, 1951 in McCook. They farmed in Hayes County their entire lives.

Ruth loved serving in various positions in the church including the Vacation Bible School Director for many years. She enjoyed crafts and had a craft business for over 23 years. She also loved to travel. Ruth decorated many wedding cakes for family and friends and was a 4-H leader for cake decorating. She was a member of the Opals Group and Evangelical Free Church.

Survivors include her sons, Leigh Ward (Jeannie Hadwick) of Lincoln and Ray Ward of McCook; daughters, Nancy Evans of Maywood, and Beverly (Brent) Klein of McCook; brother, Richard Peterson of Hayes Center; close cousin, Carl Kittle of Corpus Christi, TX; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren: Patrick Evans, North Platte; Amy (Darin) Mahoney, Madison, Brock, Bo and Cooper of Columbus; Jody (Shon) Lieske, Ellyana, Ava and Addie of Hastings; Tanner (Laura) Evans and Addilyn Jo of Austin, TX; Rocky Esteraich of Omaha; Carly (Stephen) Maurano and Callum of Hayward CA; and Cara (Jesse) Neesen of Fremont; step-grandchildren Steve (Elizabeth) Klein of Indianola and Justin Klein of McCook; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Betty McKillip, Hazel (Jack) Loomis, Irene (Richard) Oglesby, Becky (Dick) Busboom; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, in 2008. She is also predeceased by her parents; sons-in-law, Mike Evans and Paul Esteraich; brother, Marvin Peterson; sisters- and brothers-in-law Kay Schuman, Lamoine McKillip, Norma Peterson, Jeane and Harold Yohe; nieces, Sherry Peterson and Carla McKillip; a nephew, Scott Loomis.

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 21, 2016 from 4-8 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 22, 2016 at the Evangelical Free Church with Pastor Bruce Lester officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook.

Memorials are suggested to the Evangelical Free Church, 602 East 14th McCook NE, 69001 or Gideon’s Bible, P.O. Box 140800 Nashville, TN 37214.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.