RUTHE A. SPEXARTH Ruthe A. Spexarth, 82, died Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Ascension Via Christi Medical Center, Wichita. She was born February 1, 1943, in Wichita, to Edwin A. and Helen K. (Schmitz) Reichenberger. She was a 1961 graduate of Andale High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Marymount College, Salina, in 1965. She was a beloved English and physical education teacher for over 30 years. She made diagramming sentences fun and never missed an opportunity to teach or engage with others. Ruthe was very active in her church and community. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Halstead, the Altar Society, and the Parish Council. She was also a member of the National Education Association, Kansas State High School Activities Association as an official and coach, Kansas Women's Golf Association, and a Wedgwood Golf Board member, and Club Amicarum. She was also the United Way fund drive representative for Halstead. She was an avid reader and had a very good sense of humor. She was also famous for her peanut clusters that she often gave as gifts. On August 6, 1966, she married her high school sweetheart, John B. Spexarth. He survives at home in Hesston. Other survivors include children: Jamie (Jill) Spexarth, Woodlands, TX; Jodi (Tim) Aleck, Boston, MA; and Jon Spexarth, Kingman; brother: Randy Reichenberger, Andale; and seven adored granddaughters, Reagan, Carter, Grace, Taylor, Elsie, McKinley, and Abby. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Allan, El Don, and Gordon Reichenberger, and a sister, Mary Alice Takacs. The viewing will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Kaufman Funeral Home. The Recitation of the Rosary will follow at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Halstead. The Mass of the Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 31, also at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Roger Lumbre presiding. Interment will follow at Restlawn Cemetery, Newton. Memorials may be given to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in care of Kaufman Funeral Home, Halstead.

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Published by The Kansan from Jul. 29 to Jul. 31, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruthe Spexarth

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9 Entries

Sheryl Pankratz

July 30, 2025

Mrs Spexarth was a very special person. She was a great English teacher and coach. I worked and instructed by her while in junior and high school. Ruthe shared her life and love with all whom she encountered. She made a great impact on my life and is a huge loss. She gave me new perspectives of life and how to put all the advice into action. She was a great mentor and friend.
I'm sorry I won't be able to attend the viewing, mass, and funeral. My thoughts and prayers are with you, the family and other friends of Ruthe. Peace be with you all.

Mark Dold

July 30, 2025

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Spexarth and Reichenberger families during your time of sorrow and loss.

Margaret Kraisinger

July 30, 2025

The passing of my friend Ruthe took my breath away. She was a special person. I have known Ruthe for years through our teaching experiences at USD 440. Afterwords, she helped me with my Dad. She cleaned his house, shopped for him, and visited him in his final days. Dad looked forward to her company. That is the kind of person Ruthe was. She went out her way to pay attention to other people.
I will not be able to be at her service, but my thoughts are about her and my prayers for her family.
Will miss you, Ruthe.

Denise Baccadutre

July 30, 2025

A dear friend from my early days of teaching at Andale High School and St. Mark's Elementary. Ruthe and I had so many laughs and good times together. She loved teaching, loved the students, and loved life.

Denise Baccadutre

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Rachelle Baker (Hall)

July 30, 2025

She was such a beautiful creature. Always cared so much about her students, family and friends. She was a true model of what love is. I have such fond memories of English class, PE, and volleyball. She was such a great teacher, such a great person, such a beautiful epitome of kindness and love, always giving herself away. Planted so many seeds. One time she even gave me her washer and dryer when mine broke. She loved unconditionally and she modeled Christianity beautifully. She will be missed greatly but I have comfort knowing that she is with the Lord. My prayers are for the family and that other friends that are hurting right now and will miss her. She will surely leave a big hole in your hearts, but I pray that you have comfort and peace knowing that she is with Jesus. Mrs. Ruthie Spexarth, thank you for the love that you gave me and the memories you shared with me thank you for always being there and sharing yourself with others. You are an integral part of me becoming a woman and I will forever be grateful to you.

Your sister in Christ
Rachelle Baker (Hall)