Ruth Engelke

Ruth Engelke, 92, Independence, MO passed away April 7, 2014. Services will be 10 am, Sat, April 12, 2014 at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055; interment at Mound Grove Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 8:30 am before the service at the chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3846 W 75th St, Prairie Village, KS 66208. Ruth was born June 8, 1921 in Philadelphia, PA. Following her high school graduation she worked at Beaver College and Bell Telephone Company in the Philadelphia area. She also worked at her uncle’s DeChant’s 5 & 10 Cent Store. She loved music and was a singer and musician. During WW II she sang in the USO for the troops. She played the organ and accordion. After her marriage she and husband John moved to Independence where she sang with the Sweet Adelines and various quartets. She was a member of the Farview RLDS Congregation and the Independence Restoration Branch. She sang solos and was in the choir at church. Her other hobbies included raising registered Pekinese pups and Siamese cats, writing poetry, oil painting and drawing. She also sewed costumes for the Sweet Adelines. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband John Engelke, Jr. in 2012 and son Eddie Engelke in 1957. She is survived by daughter Adrienne Hobick and husband Steve, Kansas City, MO; son Steve Engelke and wife Kandi, Independence, MO; brother Eddie Evans, Philadelphia, PA; sister Irene McNichol, Florida; grandchildren Matt Vogel and wife Kelly, Fairfield, CT; Jason Vogel and significant other Maria Pfeiffer, New York, NY; Sarah Engelke and fiancée Charles Barrow, Austin, TX; Sam Engelke, Chicago, IL; Hannah Engelke; Kirsten Manglos and significant other Matt Martin, all of Independence, MO; great-grandchildren Jack, Hunter, Lyla, Keaton and Flynn Vogel. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)