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Ruth Lyness Obituary
April 25, 1928 - July 22, 2025
Ruth Ann Lyness, age 97, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. She was born on April 25, 1928, in Nebraska City, Neb., to John N. and Elsie M. (Miller) Finkle. She married Phillip E. Lyness on May 1, 1949, in Lincoln. A Lincoln High School graduate and earned a B.Sc., M.A., and Ph.D. in Administration, Curriculum, and Instruction, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She was an English teacher at Lincoln High School, and English Consultant for the Lincoln Public School District. In retirement, Ruth was active at Eastridge Presbyterian Church, Nebraska State History Museum, City Channel 5 TV, and community organizations.
Preceded in death by her husband Phillip E. in 2013; and her son Jeffrey P. in 2021.
Survivors; Susan J. Brasch (Howard) of Lincoln, Scott A. Lyness of Los Angeles, Calif.,Melinda D. Campbell (Kenneth) of Arbon, Idaho; Peter T. Lyness (Susan) of Lincoln; grandchildren Tanner A. Brasch (Jennifer), Justin R. Nutt (Jessie), Jacoba Nutt Behunin (Rob), Devon J. Nutt (Dana Marie), Dallas Nutt, Levi Nutt (Brittany), Dylan A. Lyness, and Emma K. Lyness; nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025 at Eastridge Presbyterian Church, 1135 Eastridge Drive in Lincoln.
Memorials to Eastridge Presbyterian Church, Lincoln Area Retired School Personnel Scholarship Fund, Eastmont Foundation Eastmont Senior Living Community.
Private family burial at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery. www.lincolnfh.com Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home 6800 So. 14th St. Lincoln, Neb. 68512
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Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Lyness
Sponsored by Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home.
Kathy Newcomm
August 5, 2025
I had her as an English teacher at Lincoln high 1971. She was a wonderful teacher she will be missed.
Cherie Frederick
August 1, 2025
Dear Lyness family,
I have so many good memories of time spent w/ your mom/grandma. I was a teacher Robin Micle when she was the district consultant of English/Speech. I so appreciated her support and encouragement. . . and her great sense of humor!. The speech teachers hosted Charades parties and your parents always joined in the fun (Phil needed a little prodding but was such a good sport). "Classy" is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Ruth Ann but she was also intelligent, humble, kind. . . She's one of those folks who makes the world a better place for being in it.
I'm thinking of you, Peter, and your family today. I think you are the only Lyness I had the good fortune to have in class. Your mom always told me that you were influenced to go into teaching because of your volunteer experiences in an elementary as part of the Community Involvement class. If that's true, I'm mighty honored.
My sincere condolences.
Cherie Frederick
Kimmie Maser
July 29, 2025
Mrs. Lyness was my English teacher at Lincoln High. She was a very kind,
intelligent woman who cared about her students. She will truly be missed.
Roxanne Felton Busby
July 29, 2025
I was in Mrs. Lyness' English class at Lincoln High. I always enjoyed her class. My heart goes out to her family. May she Rest in Peace.
Connie Leavitt
July 29, 2025
Ruth Lyness
Such a classy, smart, educated lady and generously shared her skills! A life well lived
Tom Roth
July 28, 2025
Mrs Lyness- a remarkable human being. She touched so many lives! I know she touched mine, at Lincoln High in 1974. Not only a tremendous teacher, but a wonderful person who cared about her students. Always so pleasant! May you enjoy eternal life with your Lord and Savior!
Karen Hauser Berry
July 28, 2025
Mrs. Lyness was a wonderful, caring teacher! I always felt fortunate to be assigned to her classes. My years at LHS were better because of her!
I was happy to see her community involvement after her many years of teaching.
My sympathies to her family.
Susan Wolz
July 28, 2025
So sorry for your loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Wolz family
Mark Loos
July 28, 2025
Mrs Lyness made 11th grade English fun for me. That was great as I was a math person working almost 38 years in accounting. I believe I was her student in 1971-1972.
Marcia Benner
July 27, 2025
I had Mrs. Lyness for sophomore English at Lincoln High in the 1970's. She was a strong role model for me. I majored in English at UNL and taught English for 17 years. Thank you Mrs. Lyness.
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