Ruth E. Strecker

Born and raised in upstate NY, Ruthie was bound for adventure and found it when she met and married Johnny in 1950. By the time she was 20, she and the love of her life were headed west on a multi-state tour that would last for years. Everything they possessed was packed in and on top of their station wagon. Along with their kitten “Mittens,” they would begin John’s new job together sitting on oil wells.

Beginning a life together with more love than money was something Ruthie told stories about with a twinkle in her eye for almost 69 years of marriage to John. She wrote in diaries about their escapades, the great friendships they developed, doing dishes in the bathtub, songs by the fireside, hiking, and skiing.

Their station wagon was packed and unpacked over and over until a seven-year stop in Casper, WY. It was here that many life-long friendships were formed. Here, Ruthie’s many talents flourished as they were surrounded by a multitude of artistic friends. Ruthie was an accomplished pianist, China painter and hard core crafter. She also developed a love and skill for entertaining.

Ruthie and Johnny left Casper in 1959 for their forever home in Lakewood, Colorado. It was there, in the home they lived in for more than 50 years, that they raised three children—Stephen, Alan, and Shauna. During that time, Ruthie taught many children how to play piano, make sand candles, knit, sew, and paint.

Camping, hiking, and skiing became a mainstay for family activities, and food and wine events were shared with friends throughout the years. Family connections were important to Ruthie. Every summer involved a trip to see her and John’s respective families. Laughter, adventure, and memories were solidly built and remain a vivid thread for so many.

It was no secret that Ruthie was a bit of a prankster and often had several jokes in her quiver ready for the perfect moment. As she reached out to shake someone’s hand, she asked, “Are you afraid of me?” “No!” or “Of course not!” were the common replies that set her up for her punchline: “Well, why are shaking?”

Once while at the dentist, she tucked a plastic centipede under her tongue, waiting for him to begin his exam. When he asked her to open wide, the multi-legged insect unfurled, sending the poor dentist reeling back on his seat! And if you haven’t been made an honorary member of the “Cadaqua Club,” you don’t know what you’re missing! (But, whatever you do don’t sit on the raw egg!)

She spent her final months in a care home that she loved and gifted to all living there one of her many knitted bells. It was a token of her continued love and generosity that was so faithfully held in her heart as a symbol of her deep faith, trust, and love for God. There is no doubt that the thousands of knitted bells she lovingly crafted will be hanging on trees for decades of Christmas’ to come.

Ruthie is preceded in death by her beloved Johnny, sisters Julia and Gladdy, brother Mark, mother Mildred, stepfather Victor, and father George Minar.

She is survived by children Stephen Strecker, Alan (Kathy) Strecker, and Shauna Strecker; grandchildren Griffin Strecker, Stephen Strecker Jr., Ryan Strecker, Jonathan Strecker, Michael Strecker, Kelly Strecker, and Rooks Metz; and 2 great grandchildren.