She was born April 1, 1928 in Brush, CO the oldest of four children to Carl and Edna Lorensen. Ruth graduated from Brush High School in 1946, received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master's Degree from Kearney State College.
On June 20, 1949 she married Frank Sajevic and moved to Kearney, NE where she lived 71 years before moving to Fremont in 2020. Ruth taught elementary vocal and instrumental music in the Kearney Public Schools, Kearney Catholic High School and St. Ann's Catholic School in Lexington, NE before retiring from teaching. She then was a Title I administrative assistant at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney and an office secretary at First Lutheran Church of Kearney for several years.
Ruth enjoyed neighborhood gatherings and sports, was a member of the Ladies Bowling Association but family was her true passion. She was a Peterson Activity Center volunteer for six years and a Kearney Law Enforcement Center volunteer for 11 years where she was known for homemade chocolate chip cookies.
She is survived by sister Marilyn Woodward of Brush, CO; sons Joe (Nancy) of Fremont, Jim (Peggy) of Liberty, MO and John (Lori) of Fremont; nine grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 35 years and brothers Jim Lorensen of Brush, CO and Lloyd Lorensen of Mansfield, TX.
Interment will follow a private family gathering at Kearney Cemetery.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(10)
Carl Johnston
Oviedo, FL Friday, June 19, 2026 Ruth was a gracious lady to all of us kids. Saw her and the boys at church every Sunday. Also played Little League and Pony League baseball with all three of the boys.A graceful life well lived.
My condolences.
Carolynn (Gardner) Biehl
Kearney, NE Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Mrs. Sajavic was a very supportive teacher. She took great pride in her students. Thoughts and prayers to her family.Susie ( Kurtenbach) Kelly
Lincoln, NE Monday, June 15, 2026 Ruth was a superior teacher...My strongest memory is when I tried out for state music...She arranged a place for me to sit at Kearney High. Even though our schedules were different, I would sign in and practice the music with their large choir .. One day it was my sister's turn for our car, and I didn't know how I was going to get up to KHS....and she actually let me drive her car! Since I also was a teacher ( 34 years) i often reflected on this, and if I would have ever trusted a student with my vehicle!! I did make it to state music that year, which allowed her the opportunity to come along and attend all of the NMEA meetings ( state was in Fremont that year) i was always happy that I could 'repay' her that opportunity to join her colleagues. She raised the level of music at Kearney Catholic.
Got to see her at Aksarben several years ago and have a cherished photo of us. Eternal rest grant unto her, oh Lord.
Steve Flaherty
Lincoln, NE Monday, June 15, 2026 To Ruth’s family, My sympathies on the passing of a wonderful lady. In 1977, my first year of teaching at Kearney Catholic, my business room was adjacent to her music room. She was always such a joy to work and visit with at KCHS. Just a beautiful lady who lived an incredible long life. RIP Ruth!🙏Julie and Dave Agard
Kearney, NE Saturday, June 13, 2026 Ruth led a long and fruitful life. She shared her musical gifts in many ways over the years and cultivated genuine friendships over multi-generations.She was also a faithful member of First Lutheran Church where we could count on seeing her every Sunday and happily talk after services about the many accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Ruth loved her family and was so proud of each one of them.
We send our most sincere condolences to all.
Judi Roberts
Kearney, NE Saturday, June 13, 2026 Ruth was a wonderful friend. I think of her often and know she has her angel wings now. I was fortunate to be included in the neighborhood coffee group and I miss the wonderful friendships forged there. Sending prayers for Ruth and her family.Deb (Beitler) Jensen
KEARNEY, NE Friday, June 12, 2026 Ruth was a lovely lady and a dear friend to my mom, Barb Beitler. They enjoyed many neighborhood coffee gatherings and occasionally ice cream cones sitting in the porch swing on a summer's eve.Their 50 year friendship continued even after Ruth's move to Fremont. They would chat on the phone and mom would update her on all the recent activities in the neighborhood. Ruth enjoyed sharing stories about her family, they were so dear to her.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Sajevic family.
Lisa Reese Parish
Kearney, NE Friday, June 12, 2026 My condolences to the Sajevic family. Ruth was a lovely person, and I enjoyed every interaction with her over the years. There were some very lucky students from 1950 to 1968 at Kearney Public Schools! (minus a break from Jan 1953 to Aug 1956)Best wishes as you honor her life.
Michelle M Thurman
North bend, NE Wednesday, June 10, 2026 She was a very sweet lady i loved visiting with her when I work at nye square and hearing about her family looking at her pictures in photos display thong how excited she would get to go out with family she loved talking about them all I missed herJanis K Poppe
Scribner, NE Wednesday, June 10, 2026 My sympathy to all of you at this time. I am a sister of Doris Schroeder and did meet Ruth a couple times. She was a dear friend to Doris all those years. Now they can catch up again. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. With love, Janis Poppe