Ruth Oberhelman

Ruth Oberhelman, 99, of Independence MO, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2012. Memorial service will be held Saturday, September 22, at 2:00 at First Presbyterian Church, 100 N Pleasant, Independence, MO 64050. A reception will follow. Interment at Mount Washington Cemetery.

Ruth was born January 8, 1913 in Jamestown KS to Austin and Anna Josephine Moe Zirkle. She graduated from Jamestown High School in 1931. Ruth taught in a one-room rural schoolhouse to fund her college education, received her B.S. in Home Economics from Kansas State University in 1939, and was a substitute teacher in Independence schools. Ruth and her husband Lorin "Obie" Oberhelman were married for 70 years, raising their daughters and building treasured memories through travel, photography, church, community involvement, and entertaining friends and family. Ruth believed that the role of homemaker was her most worthwhile role in life, dedicating the best of her talents to the family and raising her children. She was a wonderful cook and shared her delicious meals with loving hospitality, entertaining people of all nationalities in their home. The Oberhelmans produced 21 narrated color slide travelogues from their world travels, sharing them 550 times with groups in the Kansas City area. Ruth received numerous honors and awards for her contributions to the community through volunteering her time and talents, but her most important reward was in living a meaningful life of service and kindness to others. She was a dedicated leader in her church, Menninger Bible Study Leader, American Association of University Women, Salvation Army Board of Directors, Independence Housing Authority Board of Directors, Independence Citizens Advisory Committees, Women's Hospital Auxiliary, Independence Study Club, Blue Ridge Color Slide Club, Knife & Fork Club, Shepherd Center. Ruth's volunteer work included Girl Scouts, Parent-Teacher Associations, Bd of Ed School Finance Committee, Head Start Advisory Committee, Good Government League, Jackson County Election Judge, League of Women Voters. She was a member of the church for 65 years. Ruth believed in and worked for the best welfare of every person, regardless of nationality or economic status. She most recently lived Topeka KS where she moved in 2009 after the death of her husband.

Ruth was preceded in death by sisters Beth Davis and Helen Dannels. She is survived by devoted daughters, Janice Kivett (Stan) of Topeka KS; Judy Hackett (Scott) of Wayzata MN; and Joline Oberhelman of San Carlos CA; loving grandchildren, Stephan (Vicki) Kivett; Todd Kivett; Sherri (Larry) Julian; and Steve (Lesley) Hackett. She delighted in being "Great-Grandma Obie" to Kaitlin and David Hackett, Erin Kivett, Grace and Scott Julian. Also surviving are many cherished relatives and friends.