Ruth M. Harris

Ruth Marie Brotherson Harris passed away on March 19, 2026 in Lenexa, Kansas, at the age of 96. Ruth was born in Kansas City, Kansas, to Lewis and Kathryn (O'Leary) Brotherson. She graduated from Wyandotte High School, then graduated from the School of Education at the University of Kansas with a major in mathematics. After graduation she married Delmer F. Harris Jr. and moved to his hometown of Concordia, Kansas. They purchased the Delmer F. Harris Co., a family business that manufactured and sold playground equipment. Ruth worked alongside Delmer until they retired. In later years, Delmer and Ruth moved to Lakeview Village in Lenexa, Kansas.

Ruth was a natural leader. She was president of her dorm in college, held a state office in Jaycee Jaynes, and served on the local board of education for 8 years including several years as president. She served as a trustee, elder, and Sunday School organizer in the First Presbyterian Church, and held many offices in the Mariners, a couples' organization in the church. She was a member of the Sasnak Study Club, Thursday Bridge Club and P.E.O. She served on the board of the Concordia Concert Association. At Lakeview she was a greeter for the chapel service while Delmer sang in the choir.

Ruth always expressed appreciation for her parents, love for her husband through over 70 years of marriage, and admiration of her children and grandchildren. Ruth especially enjoyed traveling with her family. Childhood trips to Estes Park then family camping trips to Colorado were favorites. Ruth and Delmer visited nearly all 50 states and over 37 countries including Russia, Australia, and most of Europe. River cruises were a highlight.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband and partner in life, Delmer, in 2021. She is survived by her children Del (Deb) of Gaithersburg, MD, Susan of Estes Park, CO, John (Barb) of Wheaton, IL, Dan (Irina) of Concordia, KS, and Nancy Spatz (Jeff) of Lee's Summit, MO; grandchildren Margaret Harris, Katherine Parran, Kirsten Harris, Lisa Harris, Mark Spatz, and Laura Morehead; great granddaughter Kestrel Parran; extended family; and special friends.

Visitation will be Friday March 27 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home in Concordia followed by burial in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at Lakeview Village, Lenexa, Kansas, on Saturday, March 28 at 2:00 PM. Memorials to Ruth may be given to the Lakeview Village Foundation, the Concordia First Presbyterian Church, or the Delmer & Ruth Harris Family Scholarship Fund with the KU Endowment Association. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com. Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, 325 W. 6th St., PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901 is in charge of arrangements.