Ruth Ann Stohs
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Ruth, 84, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2018 in Lawrence KS. She was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Fern Kieffer, and sister Betty (and Glenn) Lessenden. She is survived by her husband Marvin Stohs, son Keith Stohs (Annette), and daughter Kristie Rock (Brian).
“Ruthie” was born in Lawrence and graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1951. She completed two years of education at the University of Kansas, then married Marvin Stohs on June 11, 1954 in Lawrence. Ruth and Marvin spent the early years of their marriage in Leadville, CO, then Denver, CO where she worked as an administrative assistant. They returned to Lawrence where she and Marvin raised their two children. Ruth was employed by USD 497, the University of Kansas, and the Kansas Union. Ruth worked for USD 497 so that she could spend time with her children during the summer, and after school. Once her youngest child graduated from KU, Ruth and Marvin moved to Las Vegas, NV where Ruth worked as an administrative assistant for UNLV, the Palace Station, the State of Nevada, and Desert Research Institute. Ruth loved to be outdoors, and took advantage of the sunshine and warm weather year-round in Nevada. Marvin and Ruth retired and moved back to Lawrence in 1997 to help care for Ruth’s mother. Ruth spent her retirement enjoying life, walking, spending time with her children, playing bridge and bingo, and socializing with friends. Ruth and Marvin delivered Meals-on-Wheels for 18 years. Ruth worked part time at the Lawrence Public Library, where she was employed until December 2017, and both Ruth and Marvin worked for Crowd Systems, Inc. as Ushers at KU football and basketball games until January 2018. Ruth was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Lawrence.
Ruth’s Memorial Service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 25th, 2018. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran.
I worked with Ruthie at Lawrence Public Library, but we were on separate floors. The staff break room was really where I got to know and adore her. Ruthie always asked, “How you doin’, sweetie?” and would say goodbye every afternoon, similarly: “Bye, sweetie!” I’m so sad to hear that she’s gone. Ruthie was so very kind. I miss her face and charm and am sad that I didn’t get to say goodbye on her last day at the library. I thought I’d see her again. I’ve been thinking of the Stohs family a lot.
Ruthie was one of the sweetest, kind, optimistic persons that I have known. She was a role model–though she would have denied it– in so many ways. How lucky I was to have her consider me her friend.
Ruthie always had a smile on her face and a friendly word to share. I remember her beautiful long hair in our high school days. She was a beloved member of the Liberty Memorial High School Class of 1951. She will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know her.
Ruthie always had a kind word and a smile for everyone. I’m so lucky to have gotten to know her at the library. She was truly a gem…heart of gold. My thoughts are with her family.
Ruthie always had a friendly smile and conversation. We will miss you at the Lawrence Summer Band Concerts this upcoming season. Patty & Tony Supancic
I used to work at Hy-Vee in college and Ruthie was always there with Marvin and friends. She would buy a snack or drink most days and she always counted change out of a coin purse when she paid. I noticed after a while that the coin purse was kind of worn, so when I went to London on a spring break study abroad my sister and I got her a new one that said “I <3 London” on it. She was so thankful and gracious about it even though it was just a little tiny gift. She was one of the nicest and most positive people I have ever met. She will be missed.
I work at Hy-Vee and would see Ruthie and Marvin every time they would come in. She was always so sweet and would ask me about my day. She would always give me a big hug too. I’m going to miss seeing her everyday!! She was one of the kindest and sweetest people I have ever met. She will be missed!
Ruthie & I got acquainted when we were both on Staff at the Lawrence Public Library & I think of her as a bright, colorful flower that would always bring a bit of cheer to the work around us. I admired her energy & dedication, and appreciated the service she provided to others. I will always smile when she comes to mind. It is good to know that she is resting now in peace. My condolences to you, Marvin, and your family.
k p is me Joyce eoannou customer comes in for breakfast . you got great damn he’s very lucky your mom took so much care of your dad very lucky too have good parents
Ruthie always took the time to pay close attention to the library patrons. She was very kind and was truly an asset to this community.
They even came in get ice cream mcds on Michigan afternoon s
Ruthie will be missed very much at bingo. I worked the snack bar and she always had a smile and a kind word to say. She was a sweetheart, and a very loving person. I worried about her and Marvin after their last visit to bingo, because Ruthie seemed to be so sick. They left and I thought of her a lot, but did not know how to find her to check on her well being. I am so sorry for you loss. Marvin my prayers are with you especially. Hugs you lots my dear.
Ruthie and I crossed paths when we were both working at Lawrence Public Library. I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone as genuinely happy and friendly as she was, always offering a big smile, a little hug, a hearty “how ya doin’?”— sometimes all at once! Ruthie was truly a treasure and will be missed by many, many people. Heartfelt condolences to her family at this difficult time.
Ruthie has been such an uplifting presence in my life for so long, it is difficult to think we won’t be seeing that amazing smile around town. A client for my entire carreer, Ruthie will be missed. Sweet lady.
Ruthie was always uplifting! I loved talking with her and Marvin. She will be missed by many! Bye Bye Sweetie – RIP
I am so sorry to hear about Ruth’s passing. She will truly be missed in the neighborhood. I will miss visiting with her in the backyard about our cats and plants and seeing her walking daily. She was such a positive spirit, had a beautiful smile and always had a kind word to share. My deepest sympathy to her family.
I work at HyVee, I always looked forward to seeing Ruthie and her asking me how my day was going. We would say some nice words to each other than go on our own way until next time. She will be missed by all at HyVee.
Marv and kids, this happened so fast. I worked with Marv at F.M.C and that’s where I got to know Ruthie, always happy go lucky type lady with great smile. They were usually at 6th street Hy-Vee for coffee and fellowship each day, R.I.P
Ruth and Marvin sat next to us in church when they returned from Las Vegas. Ruth’s kindness, care for others, and personable humor made her an immediate hit–for our family and many others. We would often see the couple in McDonald’s when Ruth would buy breakfast and take it back to Marvin. We’d tease Marvin and ask him what we could do to get our wives to take us to breakfast and then serve it? Ruth would just smile and then seriously ask how we were doing. Ruth worked hard and was well liked by everyone. One evening she was protecting the entrance to a private area in Allen Field House. When she was not looking, I ran past her. She yelled, “Hey you you don’t have a pass.” I turned and started laughing. Then she laughed as well. She was such a fun-loving lovely person. We were genuinely blessed to have her in our lives.
Our deep condolences to the Stoh’s family. God blessed us when he brought Marvin and Ruth back to Lawrence and into our lives at Immanuel. Ruth shared her gentle demeanor and warm smile with everyone around her. God’s Peace.
Oh Ruthie, I am at a loss for words!!! I had no idea you had been sick. =( It only seems like yesterday when the three of us (you and Marvin) posed with me for a photo at AFH when we (KU Spirit Squad) had a reunion and performed at the half-time of the KU vs. AZ State men’s BB game Sun., Dec. 10th. You two warm my heart every time I think of you!!!
Your contagious smile, uplifting words and amazing (((hugs))) will be forever missed!!! I can still hear your sweet voice. . . “Le-Thu, I miss having you as my supervisor (for CSI), can I come work for you in the Anthropology Dept.?” =) We had some good times working KU sporting events.
Marvin and family, my deepest condolences on your loss. Ruthie will always be watching over you. Cherish the wonderful memories you have of your wife and mother. She touched so many lives! =) Thank you for sharing Ruthie with us. Ruthie’s obit photo is just how I remember her. . . always smiling, a twinkle in her eye and ready to listen.
My sweet, SWEET Ruthie, God called you home. I am so blessed and fortunate to have known you sweet angel! Say ‘hello’ to my brother and parents and rest in peace beautiful lady now that you have your angel wings!! Fly, fly away angel until we meet again on the other side of the rainbow! xxoo ~L2
My family lived next door the Stohs for many years and Ruth (Mrs. Stohs) was like another mother to me. I remember many sage words of advice that I would have done well to better heed. Ruth Stohs was a true ray of sunshine with so much kindness and a very keen wit. She will be missed by many. My mother Audrey, brother Richard and I send our condolences to Marvin (Mr. Stohs), Kristy, and Keith. Our thoughts are with you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Stohs family during this time.