Lydia M. Ruf

Lydia Marie Ruf diedWednesday, Nov. 17, 2004, at the Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook at the age of 90.

She was born Aug. 25, 1914, on the family farm in the Tyrone Precint of Red Willow County. She was the daughter of the late Henry and Mary (Amen) Ruf Sr. She grew up in the Tyrone community where she graduated from rural school and for several years served as secretary and treasurer for the brothers and sisters. She was also a caregiver to the sick and elderly. During World War II she was a nurses aid for 32 years in the maternity section at St. Catherine's Hospital in McCook. She helped care for many mothers and babies from the McCook Air Base and cared for people from all over the nation.

From 1974 to 1976, she worked at McCook Community Hospital. She was a volunteer for the bloodmobile and served in the Jumble Shop until her health required her to retire. She loved to crochet and worked on many table cloths, dresser scarves, doilies, quilts and crafts. She was a caregiver to everyone and loved by all.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Henry Ruf, Jr., and John Ruf; and sisters, Leah Lomax and Esther Meader.

Lydia is survived by one brother, Manuel Ruf and wife, Margalee of Wilsonville; sisters, Katherine Atteberry of Arapahoe; Ruby Slavens of Moline, Ill., Anne Baughman of Arlington, Texas, Ramona Fisher and husband, LeRoy of North Platte and Margaret Hunter and husband, Floyd of McCook; many relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, at the First Congregational Church in McCook with the Rev. Steven King officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook.

Memorials may be given in her name and friends may call Herrmann Funeral Home in McCook, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., and on Sunday, 1-6 p.m.