Ruth Mildred Fredrickson
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Services for Ruth Mildred Fredrickson, 89, Lawrence will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 24, 2024 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence. The family will greet friends prior to the service at 9 a.m. at the church. A private graveside committal will follow.
Ruth died peacefully on Monday, May 20, 2024 at the Dunn House in Baldwin City, KS.
Ruth was born on November 23, 1934 near Tecumseh, NE. She was the first daughter of five born to John O. and Velma N. Lillich. She graduated in 1953 from Deshler High School, where she met her future husband Mit Fredrickson. While Mit served four years in the Marines, Ruth went to nursing school, graduating from Lincoln General in 1956. She worked as a nurse for 35 years.
Mit and Ruth married in June 20, 1958 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Friedensau, NE. They were married for 65 years. They were blessed with six children, four who are living.
They moved to Lawrence in the early 1970s. She then began delivering for Meals on Wheels and continued to do so well into her retirement. She was a charter member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and serving as the financial secretary for 40 years. She was a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and the church Alter Guild. She enjoyed quilting and knitting, and was a beekeeper for over 25 years. She was a member of the Kaw Valley Bluebird Association for 12 years and greatly enjoyed monitoring and maintaining the trails. She liked to garden and raised a variety of chickens and other fowl. Mit and Ruth loved square dancing and were members of the Merry Mixers and the Barn Dancers. She was an enthusiastic singer and enjoyed a large number of hymns. Ruth was a cancer survivor.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, John and Velma, her sister Margaret, and her two youngest children, Steven and Thomas. She is survived by her husband, Mit, her sisters: Rachel, Sarah (Gordon), and Gretchen, her children: David (Karen), Kevin (Lisa), Debbie (Larry,) and Philip, her grandchildren: Jennifer (Chris), Rachel, Timothy, Amanda (Will), John, James, Rebecca, and Emily, and her great-grandchildren: Caleb, Aidric, Anna, and Finley, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ruth’s name to Meals on Wheels or Redeemer Lutheran Church and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
My condolences to Ruth’s family. What a fun time we had visiting together. I will remember the memories forever. Ruth was a sweet lady that never met a stranger.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mit and family at this difficult time .
Love,
Bill and MaryBeth Harmon
Mit, I send my condolences to you and the family. I remember when you started beekeeping and shared your enthusiasm at work(Kmart). I wonder what stories Ruth could have told? My parents were married for 65 years and know the closeness they had and am confident you and your shared it likeness. I will be thinking of you….
correction. you and Ruth shared the same closeness 65 years
Our condolences to Ruth’s family. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
My condolences to Mit (my former boss at Kmart) and his family.
Debbie and family please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your mom. I have very fond memories of your mom, especially when she came into Rusty’s IGA and me “bagging” her groceries and “trying” to assist her to get her groceries to her car. But she always refused, because she wanted to do it herself! LOL! Loved her quick “wittiness” towards me whenever she came in!
The write up about “Mrs. Fredrickson” on the website brought back memories of knowing her past and interests. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Peace be with you and your family and may “Mrs. Fredricson’s” memories always comfort all of you. God is Good – All the time God is Good!
Take care!
I worked with Ruth at LMH. She was a very capable and intelligent nurse. I learned so much from her. Sympathy to her family. May she rest in peace.
My condolences to Ruth’s family. I started working with her at LMH as a senior in high school the fall of 1979 with the Lawrence High votec program and for a couple years afterwards until I moved. I’ve always remembered her strong nursing skills and her hilarious, dry sense of humor. I went on to become a nurse and have thought of her often through the years. I’m sorry for your loss.