Erma Jeanette Ruhl

Erma is survived by her loving husband of 66 years Dale Ruhl; children, Mark (Kathy) Ruhl, Steve Ruhl, Diane (Barry) Good; grandchildren, Vince (Samantha) Ruhl, Aly (fiancée Troy Thieman) Ruhl, Conor Good, Riley Good, McKenna Ruhl, Jason Ruhl, Mallory Ruhl; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Erma Ruhl passed away in hospice care on February 4, 2022, at the age of 86. But how old she happened to be never really mattered to Erma. It was her family that always came first… her three children and seven grandchildren… and their needs and priorities. Erma’s personal wants and concerns never made no higher than second place, and she would never have wanted it any other way. And did she do well in taking care of her family? Everyone who ever knew Erma knows the answer to that, and only one word was ever necessary: always. Erma was born amid humble circumstances on the family farm in Virginia, near Beatrice, and hard work was never a stranger during her growing up years. After attending Virginia High School, Erma then moved to Lincoln and attended the Lincoln School of Commerce. After graduating, she worked in the Nebraska Legislature for Senator Terry Carpenter of Scottsbluff. She was later employed at Capital Mutual Insurance Co., when she met her future husband, Dale Ruhl. Dale and Erma were married on May 7, 1955. Erma then spent 34 years working at the Goodyear Plant in Lincoln, where she retired in 2008. Erma was very proud of her Czech heritage, and the highlight of their many travels was a trip to the Czech Republic, where she was able to see her father’s birthplace and the house where he lived. Erma was active for many years in the Nebraska Czechs of Lincoln Club, serving as Vice President and volunteering for many events and gatherings. And boy! Could Erma make a kolache (probably thousands of them over time)! Erma was the pillar of the family, but she especially loved her grandkids and was always there to support (and spoil) them any way she could. With a permanently warm, infectious smile and personality to match, it would indeed be difficult to imagine anyone who knew Erma not loving her, and sad to reflect on anyone who missed the warmth and happiness that was always such a prominent part of having her as a friend. She led a colorful life, and her happiness and positive outlook will never go away.

Memorials to ‘Nebraska Czechs of Lincoln’.

A celebration of life will be 2 pm Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. 6800 S 14th St. Lincoln. Please visit www.lincolnfh.com