Ruth Ann (Brown) Betts, 80, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.
Ruth Ann was born December 5, 1943 in Russell, Kansas. She was one of two children born to George W. and Clarissa L. (Miller) Brown. She grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in 1961.
Ruth Ann was united in marriage to Gene D. Betts on April 21, 1963 in Russell. This union was blessed with a daughter, Vickie. They made their home in Russell.
Ruth Ann was a devoted wife and homemaker. She also worked as a Clerk for Dawson Pharmacy for many years before working at Burton Pharmacy. Then she worked for USD 407 as a Custodian for Simpson Elementary School. She was also the owner of Playdium Bowl along with her husband Gene, and their daughter Vickie. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Russell. She also was a member of Order of The Eastern Star Russell Chapter #332, where she was a Worthy Matron, the Eastern Star of Hays Chapter #228, Russell VFW Ladies Auxiliary #6240, Russell American Legion Ladies Auxiliary #99 and the Jeffco, Colorado VFW Ladies Auxiliary #1111. She was an avid Coca Cola collector and drinker. She enjoyed sewing, taking classes, doing silk flower arrangements, bowling, playing Bingo, and dominoes.
Ruth Ann’s surviving family includes her husband of 60 years, Gene of the home; daughter, Vickie Hill (Tom) of Russell, Kansas; four grandchildren; Tabitha Seldomridge (Philip), Tiffany Renteria (Jimmy), Thomas Hill, and Trevor Hill (Sarah), and seven great grandchildren with one on the way.
Ruth’s granddaughters have been her pride and joy since they were born, even though she made her daughter Vickie promise she would not make her a grandma until she was 50. Her nickname from her grandkids and her great grandkids was GMA and GGMA. Pepsi was a bad word that was to never be said around Ruth. It was ALWAYS Coke with extra ice. If asked if Pepsi was okay, her response was “Is Monopoly money okay?”
Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents; step father, LaVern Brack; and brother, Buddy Obe Brown.
Celebration of Ruth Ann’s Life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell. This is a Celebration of Life and Ruth went through life in jeans, so please respect her wishes and come casual to her Celebration. A private burial of ashes will follow at a later time. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Memorial has been established with the Russell Senior Center. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.