Ruth Eleanor Thompson

Ruth Eleanor (Olmstead) Thompson, age 96, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024.

Ruth was born on March 1, 1928, in Seward, Nebraska, to Ira Hibbard Olmstead and Josephine Louise (Littlefield) Olmstead. Ruth’s early years were spent with her family on her parents’ apple orchard. She was valedictorian of the Seward High Class of 1946. Ruth attended Nebraska Wesleyan College, then worked in the administrative offices at the University of Nebraska. Ruth and Vernon Herbert Thompson, Jr. (Tom) married on April 12, 1953. Between 1954 and 1966 Ruth and Tom were blessed with 6 sons. Sadly, Tom passed away on May 4, 1970, after a 3-year battle with cancer. Ruth, being a woman of strong character and mind, set about her task of raising six boys with courage, grace, and love. The ensuing years were filled with church activities, music, sporting events, and many exciting vacations. Ruth managed the family farm and always had the love and support of extended family and friends. After her boys were grown, Ruth worked at Anderson Tax Service for many years before retiring in her 80's.

Throughout her life, Ruth had a passion for service and always found time to make a difference in her church and many community organizations including PEO, District 70 Extension Club, Eastern Star, UNICEF (chairing for multiple years), and Saunders County Hospital Auxiliary (serving on the building committee). Ruth was a 69 year member of Wahoo First United Methodist Church, serving in many ministries including Sunday School, Bible School, Choir, United Methodist Women, Building Committee, Shut-in Ministry, and others. In later years, one of Ruth's greatest joys was hosting large family events in her home, where she could spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by her sons Michael (Judy) Thompson, Scot (Leann) Thompson, Nicholas (Sue) Thompson, Thomas (Ellen) Thompson, Chris (Karen) Thompson, and Daniel Thompson; by her grandchildren James, Alex, Nate, Abby, Stephanie, Calvin, Aubrey, John, Brock, Sam, Steven, Allie, Sydney, Zack, Naomi, Ben, Brady, Arianna, and Ryan; and by her great-grandchildren Micah, Emma, Leah, James, Ruth, Aurora, Isaac, Ada, Knox, Nora, and Lawrence.

Ruth is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom; her parents; her brothers Kenneth Olmstead and Donald Olmstead; and her sister Helen Jean (Olmstead) Beatty.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all of the wonderful people at South Haven Living Center, Home Instead Senior Care, and Hospice and Home Healthcare of Saunders County who provided Ruth exceptional loving care and attention.

On Saturday, June 29th, the family will host a visitation beginning at 8:00 a.m. and a Celebration of Life service at 9:30 a.m. at Wahoo First United Methodist Church. A graveside service at Sunrise Cemetery will follow. All are invited to stay (or return) for a luncheon, fellowship, and the sharing of memories. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.