Ruth Vivian Tomasek

Ruth Vivian Tomasek died May 6, 2016, at Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence, Kansas.

She was born September 13, 1930, in Western Springs, Illinois, the daughter of August B. and Vivian Ruth (Dooner) Waltershausen.

Ruth graduated from Oberlin College in 1952. She taught first grade in Western Springs before marrying Robert D. Tomasek on November 28, 1953. They moved to Lawrence in 1957.

She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and its choir. She was also a member of Lawrence Music Club, Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, and the Motet Singers.

Ruth was a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels for 25 years. She also volunteered for Audio Reader and LINK.

Ruth traveled widely, beginning with a six-month trip to Europe that she and Bob took as a young married couple. She loved the beauty of the natural world, especially birds.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Robert, of Lawrence Presbyterian Manor; by their three daughters, Mary Carey (John), Freehold, N.J., Katherine Tomasek, Lawrence, and Sarah Tomasek (Alan Yost), North Andover, Mass.; and by three grandchildren, Helen Carey and Rachel and Christopher Yost. Also surviving is her brother George. She was preceded in death by her brother John.

A private graveside service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Ruth may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.