Elaine R. Ruth

Elaine Ruth, 88, of Rising City, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Ridgewood Rehab and Care Center in Seward.

Memorials can be made to the Ruth Family for later designation.

Funeral Services for Elaine, will be on Monday, March 2, at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Rising City. Visitation will be on Sunday, from 2 until 4 p.m. at Moravec Johnson Mortuary in David City and on Monday from 9:30 until 10:30 at the church. Interment will be in Immanuel Cemetery with lunch following at the church. Moravec Johnson Mortuary is assisting Elaine's family with arrangements.

Elaine Ruth (Hinze) Ruth was born July 5, 1937 in Shelby , Nebraska. She was the youngest of three daughters born to Werner and Metta (Hoeft) Hinze. Elaine was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. She attended Rising Sun District 43 School for 6 years, 2 years at Immanuel Lutheran School, and graduated from Rising City High School in 1955.

Elaine worked at a Columbus bank for a time following graduation. Elaine was united in marriage to Richard Dean Ruth on April 28, 1957 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Rising City (Millerton). Richard and Elaine had two children: Barton Dean and Tamara Layne.

Elaine was known for her baking skills, which were on display during her teenage years when she represented Nebraska in the National Cherry Pie Baking Championship. She travelled with her mother to Chicago for the competition. Her “Grandma Rolls” were always in high demand at family gatherings, and although attempted by other family members over the years have never been duplicated.

In addition to being a loving mother, Elaine was involved in all aspects of the work on the farm; from field work with the tractor, to hauling grain to town, and spending hours unloading trucks into grain bins. She was also an active 4-H club leader, member of the Friendship Club, and Immanuel Ladies Aid. She was also an active partner to Richard when they served on the Butler County Fair Board and provided many years of service to county 4-H and FFA members.

Elaine enjoyed farming, traveling, and attending sporting events with Richard. Attending Husker football and basketball games, Husker gymnastic meets, and the College World Series each year were highlights. She was always ready to watch her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities in Rising City, Shelby, and Waverly. Elaine and Richard enjoyed camping for many years with their children and grandchildren, as well as time in Texas during the winter months in the Fredericksburg area.

When Richard suffered a life changing stroke in 2001, Elaine provided loving care at home until Richard became a resident of Brookstone Acres in Columbus in 2015. Elaine visited for hours each day, weather permitting, until Richard passed in December 2020.

Elaine moved to Ridgewood Rehab and Care Center in Seward, NE in July of 2025, where she resided until her death.

Elaine is survived by her children: Barton and Lynne (Blair) Ruth of Rising City and Tamara and Steven Althouse of Waverly, NE

Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren:

Geoffrey and Christa (Moon) Ruth. Kaleigh, Garrett and Avery Ruth of Rising City, Nebraska

Brenton and Elizabeth (Hurst) Ruth. Bolton and Dean of Brookhaven, Georgia.

Claire and Joe O’Connor. Owen, Catherine, and Finn of Los Angeles, California.

Emily and Tom Salistean. Edwin and Leo of Lincoln, Nebraska

Hannah Althouse and husband Jacob Schlange. Emmett and Callum of Lincoln, Nebraska

Numerous Nephews and Nieces and Cousins

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband Richard, her parents, and sisters Laverna Hinze Fozzard and Orleatha Hinze Kuhl.