January 15, 1933 - March 21, 2023
Nina Ruth Eklund Edwards passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Brookside Retirement Community in Overbrook, Kansas. Ruth, or Ruthie as she was affectionately called, was born on a farm four miles south of Scranton, Kansas, to John and Emma (Alberg) Eklund. She was the ninth and last one born in the family.
Ruthie worked for the State of Kansas for most of her life, retiring from the Kansas Insurance Department in 2000. She was called back to work to fill in part time for many years after her retirement and enjoyed seeing former co-workers when she did. Ruthie was a member of the First Congregational Church for over 60 years. She was a soprano who loved singing in the choir at church, and she also sang for many years with the Shawnee Choral Society. She regularly fundraised for many different organizations including Alzheimers, the March of Dimes, Cancer, and MS, participating in their fundraising walks. She walked daily, frequently walking around the park or to the post office as she was an avid writer of letters and cards. She also had many fond memories of growing up on the farm with her siblings and enjoyed sharing stories of life on the farm. She was also an avid roller skater in her early adult years and later enjoyed going to singles dances on weekends. Ruthie worked very hard as a single mother while raising her children and providing them with a home and security. She loved her children and grandchildren very much. She loved being Grandma Ruthie and enjoyed helping take care of them when they were young. She loved going with her children and grandchildren to the movies and out to lunch, including many lunches at Taco Villa. Ruthie also had a fondness for glazed donuts and ice cream bars but always limited herself to just one.
Ruthie is survived by her daughter, Cathy Brace, Vassar, KS; son Ryan (Noel) Edwards, Overbrook, KS; grandchildren Emma (Antonio Santos) and Molly Justin Brace, and Caleb, Noah, and Luke Edwards. Ruthie was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, Bert, Herman, Roland, Dean, and Bill, three sisters, Eva, Leone, and June, and her son, David McNally.
A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church, Topeka, KS, on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 1pm. All who knew Ruthie are welcome to attend. Her remains will be interred in the Memorial Garden at First Congregational Church in a family only ceremony following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the charitable organization of your choice.