Ruth L. Luehrs, 96

Ruth LaVonne Luehrs was born on May 25, 1926, to Lester and Bertha Kurtz in the family home on 7th Street of Long Pine, NE, the youngest of five daughters. That home is still occupied. At the time of her death, Ruth had the distinction of being known as the oldest resident of Long Pine for several years. Per her wishes, Ruth passed away peacefully in her own home in Long Pine on January 30, 2023, at the age of 96 years.

Ruth attended school in Long Pine, proudly graduating with the Long Pine High School Class of 1943. After graduation, she taught country school on Buffalo Flats for a short time. Realizing this profession was not her calling, she moved to Omaha, NE, with her parents. She then became “Ruthie, the Riveter” employed at the bomber plant there. She discovered later in her employment one of the planes she had worked on was, in fact, the Enola Gay, the infamous B-29 Bomber.

In 1946 Ruth married her sweetheart, Donnie Luehrs, who had just returned from serving in WWII. While overseas he had sent a silk parachute home to her as material to make her wedding dress. To this marriage four daughters were born, LaVonne (Dail) Vetter of Cozad, NE, Donna Mundorf of Long Pine, Joyce Hutcheson of Long Pine, and Dixie (Lee) Hansen of Douglas, WY. Ruth and Don were married 60 years.

Ruth was a loving wife and mother and cherished her time spent with family, especially her grandchildren. Throughout her life, she enjoyed fishing, camping and square dancing with her husband. After retirement, they spent winters in Texas. Everyone who knew Ruth enjoyed her witty personality and sharing conversations over a cup of coffee while at her favorite spot, her kitchen table. The pot was always on.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Donald, her parents, four sisters, three sons-in-law and one great-granddaughter.

She is survived by her four daughters, two sons-in-law, nine grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews and her caregiver.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 3, 2023 in the Evangelical Free Church at Ainsworth with Pastor Charles Kiefer as officiant. Music was provided by Sherry Campbell accompanying vocalist, Jean Vackiner with “Give Me Jesus” and “Blessing.” Also featured were selections “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me and “I’ll Fly Away” by Alan Jackson. Casket bearers were Luke Hutcheson, Timothy Sinsel, Matthew Porter, Roy Hansen, Scott Heibult and Lee Hansen. Honorary casket bearers were all of Ruth’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family members. Interment was in the Grandview Cemetery at Long Pine. Memorials were suggested to the Long Pine Rural Fire Department in Ruth’s name. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.