Ruth Ann Nutt
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** Memorial service for Ruth Ann Nutt, 100, Baldwin City, will be held at Baldwin First United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. on Wed., May 4, 2022. **
In the presence of her loving husband of 79 years, Donald, and also her professional and wonderful caregivers, Ruth Ann Nutt, age 100, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2022 at Brandon Woods in Lawrence KS. To the end, her grace, indomitable spirit and caring for others touched everyone around her.
Ruth Ann was born November 14, 1921 to Ross and Nera (Bishop) Yocum in Osawatomie KS. After graduating from Osawatomie High School in 1939, she began a job with Triple A in nearby Paola KS and soon something happened that set a course for the remainder of her life. Her boyfriend was unexpectedly called in to work one evening and as a gentleman, he asked her if his friend, Donald, could keep the date that evening in his stead. The three remained lifelong friends, and the rest of Donald’s life was also forever changed.
Donald and Ruth Ann married on September 20, 1942. In December 1942, Donald’s U.S. Army service began which took them on brief excursions to Aberdeen MD, Fort Ord in California, then Anniston AL before Donald shipped out to France for service during World War II. Recounting those days, Don said, “I kissed her goodbye on the street in Anniston and did not see her again for 22 months.”
The young couple moved to Baldwin City KS in 1946 where Donald enrolled in Baker University, graduating in 1950, and Ruth Ann began work as an administrative assistant in the office of the Kansas East Conference of the United Methodist Church. It is during this time that Ruth Ann’s commitment to service to others began and grew. As the mother of three sons, she balanced family life with shared service to her beloved community Baldwin City. Her many activities over 71 years of residency there included 40 years teaching youth Sunday school, lifelong membership in United Methodist Women and 50 years of sharing time with friends in the Tuesday Reading Club. She was a P.E.O. member for over 50 years. She served on the committee that planned the first parade the first year of Baldwin City’s famous Maple Leaf Festival. She missed the remaining decades of that parade while preparing and serving chili in the Methodist Church kitchen for hungry parade attendees.
Growing up on a farm and as a rural resident west of Baldwin City until the early 1990s when moving into town, farm and rural family life, especially youth, was close to her heart. Don recalls one severe winter night when he found a newly born lamb separated from its mother and nearly frozen. Ruth Ann bathed it in warm water, held it on the couch wrapped in a blanket until it recovered for return to mama. She could handle those things as well as being the first woman board president of the Douglas County Extension Council and also a founding Board member of the Douglas County 4H Foundation.
After Don’s retirement from a 40 year career in the Baldwin State Bank, Don and Ruth Ann shared their life long love affair traveling together with Baker University friends on trips to England, Ireland, Scotland and France. They greatly valued those shared times and memories.
Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her Yocum siblings Jim, Wayne, Rosemary and Ralph.
She is survived by her husband, Donald, also now age 100. Additionally sons Michael Nutt (Denise), Mark Nutt (Patty) and David Nutt (Suzanne). Also surviving are grandchildren Sara Nutt (David Gagne), Brad Nutt (Eleysha), Kelsey Nutt (Sue), Matthew Nutt (Elizabeth Zamora), Erica Gador (Matt), Lauren Nutt and Kimberly Sachs (Eric). Also great grandchildren Lennox Nutt, Sierra Nutt, Elliot Nutt, Rowan Nutt, Augustus Gagne, Emery Gagne, Freya Gador, Benjamin Sachs and Jack Sachs.
Services will be announced at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to either the First United Methodist Church of Baldwin City or the Donald and Ruth Ann Nutt Scholarship Fund at Baker University and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Steve and I were so sorry to learn of Ruth Ann’s passing. She was one of the first people we met when we moved to Baldwin City. She was an amazing woman. I learned so much from her. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.
My sincere condolences to Don and David and the rest of the family.
She was an amazing lady, who was such a good example to so many.
Definitely a life well lived! I remember when David and I were in high school, when the other mothers would see Ruth Ann they would remark that she looked more like one of the high school girls! And she did!!
She always looked and acted so youthful. She was always so positive,
energetic, always friendly and smiling. What sweet memories I have of her! My prayers are with you, Don and David and the rest of the family.
I know you will miss her very much.
We were saddened to learn of Ruth Ann’s passing and send our deepest sympathy to Don and the entire family. Our life in Baldwin City was enriched so greatly by both Ruth Ann and Don and we remember so many glorious moments with them, in and out of the church! Love to you all!
Our thoughts and prayers to Don and family at the loss of dear Ruth Ann! She was the most gracious lady and such a marvelous example of showing God’s love to all! We have many fond memories of Baker events with Ruth Ann and Don especially Baker football games! Hugs and prayers for an extra measure of God’s love surrounding you! RUTH AND BOB SARNA
Ruth Ann was such a gracious, kind and beautiful lady. She was the light of Christ to so many. Our Love and prayers for Don and the family. Rest In Peace faithful servant, Ruth Ann.
Ruth Ann was a grand lady. My sympathies for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are sent to Don, David, Mark and your entire family for the loss of Ruth Ann. She was a fabulous lady and a dear friend to my parents. When I last saw her here in Lawrence, she was her always gorgeous, friendly self. Hugs to all.
She was quite a lady! Always smiling and so very nice. My thoughts and prayers for her family.
So very to hear Mrs Nutt has passed away . I haven’t seen her in many years but I will always remember what a beautiful lady she was. My thoughts are with her family. Rest in a pain free world.
Don Michael Mark David
Sharon & I are sorry and sad to hear of the passing of Ruth Ann. We send our sincere condolences to you and Loved Ones. This beautiful and gracious lady will certainly be missed the community friends & others.
Don and family, I am so very sad to hear you have lost your beautiful Ruth. She was such a wonderful lady and I enjoy you both so much. I am so sorry for your loss. Wishing you and your family peace at this difficult time.
Ruth Ann was a beautiful and gracious lady who always made time to reach out to those with little kids in the back rows at Church, to teach stories of the history of our Church, to stop and visit with friends and their new neighbors. Kelly and I were blessed the day we were introduced to you through. Don, you and the family are always in our thoughts and prayers.
Such a loveky lady who made all of us better for knowing her. She was such a great asset to Baldwin. She is always be remembered. Prayers for Don and family.
My condonenses and prayers are sent to Don and the Nutt family. Don and Ruth Ann have been friends for so many years with Carol Lee and me. We shared many Baker trips with Ruth Ann and Don, and on one occasion walking many blocks in London to a department store which we were told was near by. Not only were Ruth Ann and Don friends of Carol Lee and me, but also, friends of my parents amd provided support and counsel to them in their senior years. Ruth Ann was a gracious, unassuming lady, and truly the queen of Baldwin City. Blessings,
To the family of Ruth Ann:
She was a very caring and giving person.
Always helping others
and giving back to the community.
Our sympathy to the entire family.
David, please accept my sincere condolences to you and Suzanne as your mother leaves you. What a wonderful long and interesting life was given to her by God. That longevity was such a blessing for a fine woman. At the age of 100, God finally decided she had
accomplished all He wanted her to accomplish in this life and it was time for her to go to Him to begin her new life.
God Bless you all.
Jeannine Wyatt.