RUBY A. (PLOEGER) NOLTE

Ruby Arlene Ploeger Nolte, 95, of rural Hiawatha, KS, died Thursday afternoon, Oct. 23, 2014, at Jonesbrook Estates at Falls City. Ruby was the oldest of four daughters born to the late William and Celeste Ruth Ploeger, on May 30, 1919, at Wayconda, MO, and has lived in this area nearly all of her life.  

She grew up at Hiawatha and graduated with honors from Hiawatha High School with the Class of 1936. Ruby took the county teacher exam to enable her to teach country school, teaching for a year and a half. She won a summer music scholarship at Emporia State Teachers College.

Ruby married Wilbur Myron Nolte at her parents’ home near Hiawatha on April 17, 1938. They farmed and raised livestock all for 46 years near Hiawatha. He died on Sept. 7, 1984. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Elaine Davis, in 1996; a son, Larry Nolte, in 2007; a grandson, Mitchell Davis, in 1999; and a sister, Ruth Carr.

Survivors include a son, Burdell Nolte, of Humboldt; a son-in-law, Art Davis, of Holton, KS; sisters, Ida Mae Hooper and Margaret Spare, both of Hiawatha; five grandchildren, Cheri Dreher, Mari Cooney, Staci Ramsey, Celeste Jones and Douglas Davis; 10 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandson. Ruby had many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.  

She opened her home to many who worked on the farm and became  her family as well.

Ruby was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Hiawatha at the age of nine. Church was a very important part of her life:  she served for many years as the 3rd grade Sunday School teacher and at the time of her death, was the oldest member. She had a beautiful voice and sang all of her life, including many years with the Church choir. She also sang with the St. Joseph Sweet Adeline’s for 20 years where she was a lifetime member. She sang on International stage at Las Vegas, Reno, Honolulu, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Nashville. Ruby was past president of the Hiawatha Music Club and honorary member. Ruby was a member and served as chaplain for BPOE #1741 Hiawatha Elks Lodge. In her spare time, she enjoyed quilt making, singing, cooking and reading.

A Celebration of Ruby’s life is planned for 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church of Hiawatha, with Rev. Randy Quinn officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 a.m. Monday, where the family will meet from 6:30 until 8 that evening. Memorial contributions are suggested to Methodist Church Choir, St. Jude’s Hospital for Children with cancer, or Huntington’s Disease Research which be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S. 7th St., Hiawatha 66434. A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com