Ruth Kathryn (McCain) Lenker was born March 25, 1928 to Ralph & Bessie McCain in Wheeler County, Nebraska. She was one of twelve children – eight boys and four girls.

She loved the Nebraska sandhills and farm life, even though times were very difficult. Ruth had a thirst for knowledge, doing well in school and becoming a teacher after graduation. She loved teaching, returning to school several times in her early life to continue her education. She also had the heart of a poet, and in the mid-1970's was published in a book of Kansas poets.

Ruth married A. L. "Jack" Lenker on March 15, 1947 in Marysville, Kansas. They had a strong, loving marriage and raised six children: Bruce, Craig, Brad, Todd, Mark and Deborah. While Jack worked construction, Ruth assumed the role of single parent. Her kids remember well those famous words, "Just wait 'til your Dad gets home!"

In the early 80's, Ruth & Jack traveled to Wyoming to bring Ruth's oldest brother, Lon, home with them. Lon was a mental casualty of WWII, but was a gentle giant of a man. After Jack passed away, Ruth continued to care for her brother with loving compassion and patience, while continuing to maintain a warm, safe haven for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend. She loved her family with a passion and taught them to be giving, caring people. She will be deeply missed, but will live on in their hearts forever.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Jack; seven brothers; one sister; and one grandson.

Survivors include her sons: Bruce & wife, Cathie; Todd & wife, Joyce; and Craig, all of Phillipsburg, KS; Brad & wife, Terri, of Ottawa, KS; and Mark & wife, Yolanda, of Grand Prairie, TX; daughter, Deborah Perkins of Broken Arrow, OK; brother, Ronald "Flash" McCain of Norfolk, NE; sisters, Jenny Wildman of Burwell, NE and Veda Wibbles of Grand Island, NE; thirteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating. Burial followed in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Phillipsburg City Library or the Phillipsburg High School Amendment.