Ruth Godbey Passes Away

    Ruth G. Williams Godbey, 91, died April 3, 2017 in Circle of Life Hospice care at Concordia Nursing and Rehab, Bella Vista, Arkansas. She was cremated.
    Born June 22, 1925 in Atchison, Kansas, she was the 4th of 5 children of Charles E. (Ed) Williams Sr. and Mary Ellen (Nellie) Hicks Williams. Her early years included school, keeping up with 2 older brothers, exploring the Missouri River bluffs, and raising pets: Pooch, her 21-year-old terrier and too many cats to name. Her childhood was marred by the loss of her mother, when Ruth was 11 years old. Ruth graduated from Atchison High School in 1943. She was an avid swimmer, an accomplished pianist, and a skilled seamstress, crocheter, and quilter, as well as the best cook ever!
    Her early work years included ushering at her sister s theater and working at Montgomery Ward in Atchison. Ruth met Bill, her husband of 58 years, who worked for Santa Fe, and they married in 1948. They had four children. Ruth was a stay-at-home mom. In 1959, the family moved to Topeka and Ruth accepted jobs as office manager for American Linen Supply and Jostens American Yearbook. When Bill retired in 1974, they moved to Salina, KS for 7 years, where Ruth worked for Bill s brother in his chiropractic clinic.
    Their next move was to Rossville, KS to be closer to family. Ruth volunteered at the local library there. In 2006, with Bill in failing health, they returned to Topeka to a maintenance-free condominium.
    After Bill s death in 2006, Ruth later moved to Atria Hearthstone, then to Martin Creek Apartments. In 2012, needing assisted living, she moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas when family moved here. She was able to keep her beloved cat, Pixie, at The Brookfield Assisted Living. After 4 years there, Ruth lived in Memory Care at The Meadows in Bentonville. In declining health, she transferred to Concordia, where she died peacefully.
    Surviving are her sister, Margaret Sewell, Kansas City, MO; daughter, Bonnie Schrick, Independence, Mo; son, Jerry Godbey, Camden Point, MO; daughter, Debbie Gudenkauf (Steve), Wilton, CA; daughter, Linda Klem (Ed), Bella Vista, AR; 7 grandchildren, numerous great and great-great grandchildren.
    The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude and thanks to the many CNA s, EMT s, and healthcare workers who provided loving care and attention at The Brookfield, Comfort Keepers, The Meadows, Encompass Home Health Care, Concordia Nursing and Rehab, Circle of Life Hospice and Mercy Hospital.
    A Celebration of Life to honor Ruth will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com