Ruth Winter

Ruth Winter obituary

Ruth Winter

Ruth Winter Obituary

Visit the Downing & Lahey Mortuaries & Crematory - East Wichita website to view the full obituary.
Ruth Winter, 96, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025. Born on August 26, 1929, Ruth grew up in Wichita and graduated from East High School.

In October of 1948, she married the love of her life, Richard Winter, at College Hill United Methodist Church. Together they built a beautiful life and welcomed five children. Ruth cherished her role as a homemaker, and she considered it her greatest joy to stay home and raise her family. She filled their lives with warmth, adventure and countless memories including many camping trips and the tradition of Saturday morning family coffee.

Ruth was known for her patient, gentle nature and for the way she cared deeply for everyone around her. She was a gifted seamstress whose talents touched generations. She sewed clothing for her children and grandchildren; at one point she created matching Christmas pajamas for them and even worked professionally making and altering garments for others in the community. Ruth was also a wonderful cook, known for preparing comforting meals that brought her family together around the table.

Her favorite holiday was Christmas, a season she made magical with her creativity, generosity, and love. Ruth was active in the National Association of Letter Carriers Auxiliary and remained a devoted member of the Methodist church throughout her life, participating in the women's CIRCLE group for many years.

Ruth will be remembered for her kindness, her steady presence, and the loving home she created. Her legacy lives on in her family, her faith, and in the countless garments, meals, and memories stitched together by her skilled and caring hands.

Private Family Services will be held.

Preceded in death by her husband, Richard Winter; parents, John and Myrtle Smithheisler.

Survived by her sons, Robert (Cathy) Winter, Ray (Linda) Winter, Ron (Lori) Winter; daughters, Rosemary (Charlie) Harris, Rashelle (Kenny) Leivian; 16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and sister, Wilma Pearse.

A memorial has been established with: Kansas Food Bank, 1919 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67211.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary – East Chapel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Downing & Lahey Mortuaries & Crematory - East Wichita

6555 E. Central, Wichita, KS 67206-1924

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