Ruthann Klooz

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Ruthann Klooz

Dec. 12, 1934 - Dec. 23, 2021

McCOOK, Neb. — Ruthann Klooz, age 87, of McCook, passed away at her home near McCook on Dec. 23, 2021.

Ruthann was born Dec. 12, 1934, to Martin and Pearl (Longsine) Lennemann in Alma, Neb.. During her early childhood, the family moved to rural McCook, where she attended and graduated from Red Willow High School in 1952. Ruthann continued her studies at the University of Nebraska and graduated in 1956, with a bachelor’s of science in dietetics.   

She married Marvin Klooz at St. Patrick’s Catholic church in McCook on July 21, 1956; and to this union two daughters were born. The couple made their home in the McCook area, finally moving to the family farm in 1974. Ruthann was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and a devout Christian. 

During her teaching career, she taught school at Red Willow High School, Culbertson High School and McCook Junior and Senior High School. Her passion for teaching continued after retirement, when she and her husband planted a 15-acre apple orchard and garden. She led numerous field trips for local schools and families and taught about the importance of gardening. Ruthann utilized fruits and vegetables from the garden developing her own jellies, jams, and relish recipes, that she marketed statewide. She shared this knowledge with her daughters, passing on gifts to the next generation.

Ruthann was an accomplished seamstress and on several occasions was awarded the Red Willow County Fair 4-H Grand Champion of the dress review. She also designed and sewed her daughter’s wedding dress. In addition, she sewed numerous bridesmaid dresses for several family weddings. 

She was a loving and patient grandmother who devoted much of her time to her grandchildren, passing on experience as well as many important values and traditions. Her kindness and compassion towards her family and others will always be remembered. 

Ruthann was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Kathy Matson; one brother, Richard Lennemann; and a brother-in-law, Stewart Corns.

Ruthann is survived by her husband, Marvin Klooz of McCook; daughter, Dr. Karen Hunter of McCook; sister, Dorothy Corns of Council Bluffs, Iowa; son-in-law, Gary Matson of Denver, Colo.; grandchildren, Logan Hunter (Hannah) of Little Rock, Ark., Austin Hunter (Jordan) of Trenton Neb., Valerie Loghry of Trenton and Julia Matson, Denise Matson, David Matson and Sam Matson, all of Omaha. Also surviving are numerous great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 409 East F St., McCook, NE 69001.

Recitation of the Rosary will be Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021, 7 p.m., at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, McCook, with Father Gary Brethour as Celebrant.

Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, McCook.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook has been entrusted with the arrangements.  Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook for the family.