Ruth Challburg

Ruth Challburg, the daughter of Olive (Mapps) and Regenald Radcliff Lovell, was born May 18, 1921 at Hastings, Nebraska. She departed this life on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at the Heritage Care Center in Red Cloud, Nebraska at the age of 89 years, 1 month and 11 days. Ruth grew up in the Hastings community and graduated from the Hastings High School in 1939. She moved to California where she met and married R.R. Graham. A daughter, Connie, was born to this union. The marriage later ended and Ruth returned to Hastings where she was employed as a bank teller. On September 22, 1946 Ruth was united in marriage with Martin Wm. Challburg. They made their home at Sutton, where she continued to work as a bank teller. In 1962 they moved to Lincoln where Ruth worked with the First National Bank as a personal representative until her retirement. Following her husband's death, Ruth moved to Red Cloud in 2002. She was actively involved in a number of community and civic organizations. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Chapter Y P.E.O., she was a Past Matron of the Order of Eastern Star, and the Daughters of the Nile, the American Legion Auxiliary and The Book Club. Ruth also volunteered her time with the Webster County Community Hospital's Pink Ladies, the Red Cloud Opera House, the Webster County Food Pantry, and the Heritage Care Center. She especially loved to play bridge several days a week and enjoyed her many friendships. She had served for many years as the tour director for Eastern Star, and she always enjoyed traveling. Ruth's greatest love and enthusiasm in life was for her family. Her personality was pervaded by a gracious disposition and joyful demeanor. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Larry Bostock of Red Cloud, Nebraska; four grandchildren, Mark and Ashley Bostock of Windsor, Colorado; John and Bethann Bostock of Red Cloud; Becky and Al Kilpatrick of Warrenton, Missouri and Billie and Bill Mahaffy of Aurora, Colorado; 13 great grandchildren; two brothers, Kenneth and Flo Lovell of Tustin, California and Charles and Jo Lovell of North Glenn, Colorado; other relatives and friends. Funeral services were Friday, 10:30 a.m., July 2, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Red Cloud with the Rev. Richard Fairbanks officiating. Interment was at 2:00 p.m., Friday, and the Sutton Cemetery at Sutton, Nebraska with graveside rites by the Order of Eastern Star. A memorial fund has been established by the family. Williams Funeral Home 241 West 4th Avenue Red Cloud, NE 68970 402-746-2500 williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com