Ruth Arlene Sutton

cCOOK, Nebraska -- Ruth Arlene (Petsch) Sutton, 89, who was born May 6, 1924, in 3-36 Precinct in Dundy County, Nebraska, passed away Feb. 13, 2014, at El Dorado Manor in Trenton, Nebraska. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jess and Carmen (Hill) Petsch; sisters, Grace Rook and Sylvia Cobb; and brothers Jess "Pete," and Gary Petsch. Ruth is survived by her husband, Ellis Sutton of McCook; daughter, Barbara, and husband, Gene Morris, McCook; granddaughter, Debra, and husband, Tilman Adair, Commerce City, Colorado; grandson, Rodney Long, Glenwood Springs, Colorado; and great-granddaughter, Gracelyn Adair, Commerce City, Colorado; brother: David and wife Elizabeth Petsch of Guide Rock, NE; Sister-in-law: Wilma Petsch of Guide Rock, NE. Ruth grew up in Dundy County and attended school in Stratton, Nebraska, graduating from high school with the Class of 1942. She married Ellis Sutton Nov. 28, 1942, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Ellis and Ruth lived in Hitchcock County, where they first farmed at a place seven miles north of Stratton. To this union one child was born, Barbara, in 1943. Ruth taught in various one-room schoolhouses in the surrounding areas for a number of years. She received her special education teaching degree from Kearney State College in 1968. Following her graduation from college, Ruth taught special education in the Stratton and Culbertson public schools. All though their active years, Ruth and Ellis farmed in Hitchcock County. After more than 20 years at the farm north of Stratton, they moved to a farm south of Palisade in 1965, and lived there until their retirement in 1981. Following that, Ruth and Ellis enjoyed many special trips with family and friends. For many years, they spent their winters in Casa Grande, Arizona. Throughout her life, Ruth's number one priority was her family, which she loved and cared for with unending devotion. Among the things Ruth enjoyed doing was scrapbooking, collecting dolls, putting together photo albums and playing pitch, pinochle and dominos with family and friends. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and she and Ellis were members of the Church of Christ in Stratton and McCook throughout their married lives. Funeral services for Ruth Arlene Sutton will be Monday, Feb. 17, 2014, at the McCook Church of Christ, beginning at 2 p.m. Pastor Wayne Vogel will assist and Pastor Rick Eldred, Ruth and Ellis's friend and pastor for many years, will officiate. A reception for family and friends will follow the service in the Church of Christ annex. Graveside services will follow at a later date. Memorials in Ruth's honor may be given in her name. Visitation is Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 16, from 2 to 6 p.m., at Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel.