She was born Ruth Darlene Verbeek to John and Hazel Verbeek in Crowell, Nebraska on November 16, 1925. She was the oldest of 10 children-brothers Gerald, Lyle, Gene, Jack, Donald, Dana, Dennis, and Larry and sister Joyce Norby. She graduated from Petersburg High School in Petersburg, Nebraska in 1943. She married Duwain Reker in Marysville, Kansas on November 7, 1944. They welcomed their only child Cindy into the world on May 22, 1952 in Fremont, Nebraska.
Unique for her generation she worked several jobs outside of the home. They included working at the Hastings Air Force Base, Fremont Printing and Litho and KHUB Radio. However, her main career was at Midland Lutheran College (now Midland University) where she served in a number of administrative roles for nearly 25 years. She also served as the house mother for St. Augustine Hall at Midland College after her husband Duwain died in March of 1976. Her steady presence, humor and homemade cookies left a lasting impression on generations of students. She married her second husband, Marvin Hoenenman on November 30, 1994 in Fremont, Nebraska and they enjoyed many years of companionship and laughter until his passing on April 11, 2009.
Ruth helped her first husband, Duwain build their home on Gaeth Avenue in Fremont, Nebraska. In their younger years, they enjoyed going to dances, spending time with family and friends, and raising their daughter. Ruth also enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing cards, square dancing and attending Midland College sport, theatrical and social events. She met her second husband Marvin while bowling. Together they lived on his farm near Craig, Nebraska, until his passing. They remained active enjoying dancing, fishing, playing cards, golfing, playing slots at the casinos (occasionally) and spending time with the many children and grandchildren in their blended family.
Ruth was known to be strong-willed, independent and willing to speak her mind. She was also loving, supportive and always willing to stand up for family and friends. Through her words and actions, she instilled in her daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren the belief that you have the power to control the quality of your own life. Through the losses and challenges that a long life presents she remained resilient and positive. She relocated to Florida in 2010 to live with her daughter Cindy and they eventually settled in Jacksonville, Florida.
She is survived by her brothers Dana Verbeek of Fremont, Nebraska and Larry Verbeek (Jo) of Missouri, daughter Cindy Warrick of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren Matthew (Adrienne) and Philip (Mia) Warrick of Jacksonville, FL and Nathan (Tia) Warrick of Gig Harbor Washington, great grandchildren Isaac and Everett Warrick of Jacksonville, FL and Declan Warrick of Gig Harbor, Washington, stepson Kent Hoeneman (Terri), stepdaughter Lorie Aulston, grandchildren Jennifer (Byron) Keller, Emily (Matt) McGuire, Matt (Kim) Hoeneman and great grandchildren Alicia, Olivia, Cleo, Elsie, Jack and Levi as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Her family takes comfort in knowing that she has found peace in her eternal home, reunited with those who went before her.
Ruth chose not to have a funeral service, but the family will receive friends at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont on Saturday, March 21, 2026 between 10 am and noon. Light refreshments will be served. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Midland University. Or you can honor her memory by sharing a kind word, a good laugh or a homemade treat with a loved one.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
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