Ruth F. Stroup

Tuesday, February 17, 2004

BENKELMAN -- Ruth F. Stroup, 97, died Monday (Feb. 16, 2004) at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman.

She was born Aug. 3, 1906, at Pawnee City to Rev. John and Mina (Randolph) Foster.  As a child, Ruth moved with her family to Seaman, Ohio, Olatha, Colo., Torrington, Wyo., and Lake City, Colo., where he father was pastor of the churches.  In 1923 they moved to Benkelman. She graduated from Benkelman High School in 1924, and was the last surviving member of her class.

After high school, she attended Sterling College in Sterling, Kan., where she graduated in 1929.  She taught school for one year in Cheyenne County and for one year at Rollwitz in Dundy County.

On Jan. 25, 1930, she was married Ralph E. Stoup.

She was active in the United Presbyterian Church in Benkelman where she served on numerous committees and taught bible school for many years.  She was also a longtime member of the Benkelman Garden Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. John and Mina Foster; brothers, John and Glen; sisters, Jane and Mary; and one son, Wayne and wife, Patricia.

Survivors include her husband, Ralph Stroup of Benkelman; son, Boyd Stroup and wife, Betty, also of Benkelman; Steve Stroup and wife, Julie, Stan Stroup and wife, Janice, Rhonda Kaiser and husband, Ray, Sandra Mahalek and husband, Dan, Joan Pursley and husband, Gary, Kathy Pleninger and husband, Andy; seven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren.

Services are Wednesday, 10 a.m., at the United Presbyterian Church in Benkelman with Marcine Farmer, PMA, officiating.  Interment will be at Benkelman Cemetery.

Visitation is today, 2-6 p.m. at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman.

Memorials may be given in her name to the United Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 318, Benkelman, NE 69021.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of the arrangements.