Ruth E. Hackerott

Ruth Elaine Hackerott was born January 7, 1939, to Emil and Florence (Beisner) Hackerott. She was born at her home in Natoma, Kansas, and was the baby of the family. Ruth was
baptized at the Immanuel Lutheran Church north of Natoma on January 22, 1939. She had many obstacles to overcome throughout her life with an iron lung in her 20's, diagnosed with MS, and several issues she faced at the end of her life. Returning to her beloved Phillipsburg, Kansas, was her final wish that was gratefully granted her. What a reunion of friends that welcomed her home! She died peacefully at the Phillips County Hospital on February 6, 2025, at the age of 86.
Ruth rode the bus to school in Natoma and graduated from Natoma High School with the Class of 1957. She worked various jobs throughout her life working in Human Resource in Topeka, Kansas, before moving to Phillipsburg to work for KN Energy where she was the last to be employed after the company closed. Ruth then worked in Human Resource for the Phillips County Hospital, and she cherished her time at Blossoms & Butterflies during her retirement years. She had a step with her name on it at Blossoms that she would come, sit, visit, and watch Brenda and the girls work. Ruth loved life and people. AND clothes and jewelry! She cherished being called Mama Ruth by the Kreller Boys.
Ruth had a personality that radiated that SHE was in control which everyone who came to know Ruth loved about her. She liked to tease and banter with anyone who wanted to take her on. Lots of friendships came about because of it and much laughter was shared as well. Give her a margarita and a table full of friends along with a K-State purple shirt or Kansas City Chief attire and her day was Happy and Complete. She considered herself quite blessed.
Ruth was a Faithful member of the First Lutheran Church in Phillipsburg serving on the Church Council for many years as Treasurer. She was a longtime member of the first Beta Sigma Phi before it disband. She was a proud member of this group when they purchased a home for a lady in need. She was awarded Phillips County Chamber Volunteer of the Year in 2013 and Individual of the Year in 2017. Ruth served on the Huck Boyd Foundation, Phillips County Community Foundation, Phillips County Hospital Auxiliary serving as Treasurer for several terms, Phillips County Hospital Board of Trustees, and member of the First Lutheran Guild-LWML.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters: Ethel Stefina, Esther Schultz, and Laura Gallagher along with brothers: Gordon Hackerott and Porter Hackerott as well as a niece, Loretta Martens. And her close friend, Winnie Kreller.
Ruth is survived by her brother, Edward Hackerott, of Kansas City. Nieces include Mary (Tom) Casey, Roberta (Bernie) Ptaschek, Lucille (Irwin) Evertsen, Debbie Lake, April (Perry) Johnson, Teresa (Robert) Wright, and Karen (Matt) Hoyes with her nephews Roger (Glenna) Hackerott, Larry (Diane) Hackerott, Billy (Margaret) Stefani, and Aaron (Jeanne) Hackerott. As well as Great and Great Great Nieces and Nephews and other family members. Ruth had a special bond with her Great Niece, Cathy (Mike) Quinlan & family of Chicago. Her church family and many friends especially Ruth's Posse will miss her dearly.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 13, 2025 in the First Lutheran Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Matthew Goehring officiating. The services will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Natoma, KS with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating.
Miss Hackerott will lie in state from noon until 9 p.m. Tuesday, and again from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Lutheran Church or Phillips County Hospital.