Ruth C. Deveny

Oct. 20, 1919-June 22, 2006

Ruth C. Deveny passed away peacefully in Hastings, Neb., on June 22, 2006, at the age of 86. She was born in Omaha, Neb., on Oct. 20, 1919, to Nicholas & Bessie (Farach) Bonahoom.

Rosary will be Sunday, June 25, 2006; 7:30 p.m., at Butler-Volland Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, June 26, 2006- 10:30 a.m., at St. Cecilia Catholic Church with Father Larry Gyhra and Father James Meysenburg officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, all in Hastings.

Ruth graduated from St. Cecilia's High School in 1937 and continued her education at Duchesne College from which she graduated with a history degree in 1941. While at Duchesne, Ruth received the Sacred Heart of Jesus Award and the French Honor Award for excellence in academics.

After college, Ruth worked for St. Joseph's Hospital in Omaha. When her father's health declined, she returned to Hastings to work for the family business, the N. Bonahoom Seed Company.

She married Jack V. Deveny on May 29, 1948, at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Hastings. She is survived by her husband Jack; three sons: Pat, Jim (wife Patti) and Phil; two daughters: Mary and Katie; and two grandchildren; Shelby and Mike. Ruth is also survived by four nephews and one niece whom she helped raise; Dr. Robert Bonahoom, Phil Bonahoom, James Bonahoom, Richard Bonahoom and Mary Bonahoom. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers: Phil, Robert and Roy Bonahoom.

Ruth's passion and primary job after marriage was the care of her family, both immediate and extended. She also served as the bookkeeper for her husband's various businesses and later did the same for each of her children.

For more than 30 years, Ruth's labor of love was the St. Cecilia Alumni Association. She put together the first list of names and addresses and kept it current. Without her tireless work, the St. Cecilia Alumni Association would not be what it is today.

Ruth loved her family, her friends, reading, travel, crossword puzzles and bridge. She had a wonderful gift for hospitality and enjoyed entertaining. She especially enjoyed her diverse and widespread relatives -- Lebanese and Irish.

Ruth was an angel to many people.

She was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Altar Society and Catholic Daughters of America.

Visitation: Saturday, 3-9 p.m., Sunday, 1-9 p.m., all at Butler-Volland Funeral Home and Monday one hour prior to service at the church.

Memorials may be directed to Hastings Catholic Schools Trust.

Condolences may be sent at www.lbvfh.com

Butler-Volland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.