Ruth Elverta Russell February 10, 1925 ~ October 26, 2011
		Draucker Funeral Home 700 N. Spruce Street Post Office Box 296 Ogallala, NE 69153 Ph:  308.284.4021

 OBITUARY

 
Ruth Russell, 86, longtime Ogallala resident, died Wednesday, October 26, 2011 in the Ogallala Community Hospital. 

Ruth Elverta Russell was born February 10, 1925, in Orfino, Nebraska, the daughter of Oliver A. and Cora E. Brown Sheffield. Ruth received her early education in Farnam, NE. After graduating from Farnam High School in 1942 Ruth completed normal training and then taught rural school in Dawson County.

On January 25, 1943 Ruth married Dale E. Russell at Farnam. The couple lived in Indiana and Washington for a short time while Dale served in the Navy. After Dale was discharged the couple settled in Eustis, NE. They moved to Ogallala in 1953 and Ruth worked various jobs. until becoming a secretary for the Girl Scout council office. In 1964 Ruth and Dale began their business, Dale's Locker. Ruth retired in 1969.

Ruth was a member of the First United Methodist Church and served as the district and state treasurer of the United Methodist Women. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Retired Teachers Association. Ruth was a past Worthy Matron of the Ogallala Eastern Star #142 and was the Grand Representative of Nebraska in Rhode Island for the Nebraska Grand Chapter. In recent years she enjoyed being part of the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program.

Preceding her in death was her husband, parents, brother Wilbur Sheffield, grandson Justin Beckius, grandson-in-law Robert Ware, three sisters-in-law: Beulah Russell, Helen Clement, and Helen Sheffield. Four brothers-in-law: Albert Soller, Nick Nickerson, Joy Russell, and Ralph Clement.

Ruth's family includes two daughters Dianne (Orv) Wiberg of Loup City, NE and Cheryl (Bernard) Beckius of Keystone, NE. Two sisters: Alice Hutchinson of North Platte and Pearl Nickerson of Lexington. One brother-in-law Roy Hutchinson of North Platte. Grandchildren: Bradley D. Knaub, Michele R. Bancroft, Christine M. (Will) McKnight, all of Ogallala; Mindy L. (Toby) Bellar of Norman, OK. and Carrie L. (Dan) Knapp of Paxton.
Granddaughter-in-law Teri L. Elmshaeuser of Ogallala. Eight great-grandchildren: Cory and KC Knaub, Blake Lothert, Dagon Bellar, Cody Ware-McKnight and Jaycee McKnight, and Cole and Jessica Beckius. Also three step-granddaughters and ten step-great-grandchildren, and three step-great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 30, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Draucker Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be on Monday, October 31, at 10 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Chuck Rager officiating. Funeral Rites will be given by the Order of Eastern Star, Ogallala Chapter #142 Interment is in the Ogallala Cemetery. A memorial has been established to the First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be sent by clicking here.

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.