Ruth R. Brown

Nov. 24, 1915-Nov. 6, 2009

BENKELMAN -- Ruth R. Brown, of rural Max, Neb., died Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Nebraska, at the age of 93.

She was born Nov. 24, 1915, at Warwick, Kan., the daughter of Lee and Hannah (Russell) Maxwell. Ruth received her formal education in Nebraska and was a member of the Stratton High School graduating class of 1934.

In 1935, Ruth was united in marriage to Clyde A. Brown at Atwood, Kan., and they made their home in Southwest Nebraska. They farmed land north of Max until purchasing their own farm east of Max in 1943. Together, she and Clyde worked side by side in their farming and livestock operation. They were the parents of two daughters, Betty and Barbara. Ruth and Clyde retired from a lifetime of farming in 1973. They moved to Benkelman in 2000.

In her community, Ruth was a member of the school board, president of the PTA, a member of the women's club, and she also worked outside of the home part time. Ruth loved the outdoors and she always had a large vegetable garden. She was an excellent cook and seamstress. Her hobbies included crocheting beautiful afghans and dolls, traveling, riding horses, and visiting with her family and her friends whom she cared for very deeply. Her life was truly a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of more than 69 years, Clyde, who passed away in 2005; four sisters, Opal Gallatin, Margie Bailey, Jean Stute, and infant sister, Anna; two brothers, Jim Maxwell and Marion Maxwell; and one granddaughter, Karen Scott.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Betty Scott and husband, Rodney of North Platte, Neb., and Barbara Rossbach and husband, Douglas of Humbolt, Iowa; sister, Doris Williams and husband, Robert of Cambridge, Neb.; brother, Robert Maxwell and wife, Iris, of Sun City, Ariz.; three grandchildren, Steven Scott, Kent Scott, and Lynne Eddins; four great-grandchildren, Kristi Scott, Benjamin Scott, Samantha Scott, and Tanner Eddins; one great-great grandson, Darren Nichols; and numerous other nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The family was present to receive friends during visitation on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, from 1-3 p.m. (MST) at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate her life was at the funeral home chapel on Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Interment followed services at the Benkelman Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in her name.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.