Ruth Irene Stude

Ruth was born July 1, 1948 in Ottawa, KS, the daughter of Elroy J. and Ruth Ann (Moody) Kaub. Her nickname was Ruthie. She was one of six children, raised on a farm NW of Ottawa.

Ruth attended a one room rural school near Ottawa, Liberty Grade School, 1st through 8th grades. She graduated from Pomona High School, Pomona, KS in May 1966. She attended Kansas State University from the fall of 1967 thru Dec. 1968. In 1995, she earned an AS Degree at Butler Co. Community College; El Dorado, KS.

Ruth met John W. Stude in 1967 at KSU and they were married Feb. 15, 1969 in Manhattan, KS at the Methodist Church. John graduated from KSU and was serving in the Army at Ft. Hood, TX as a 2nd. Lt. when they wed, so their first home was in Killeen, TX. John was sent to Vietnam in Sept. 1969, so Ruth moved to Overland Park, KS and worked at Sears Metcalf South.

John returned from Vietnam in June 1970 and they bought their first house in Mission, KS. John and Ruth had many homes, they also lived in Copeland, KS; Lakewood, CO; El Dorado, KS; Overland Park (a 2nd time); Houston, TX; and Erie, CO.

John and Ruth had two children, a daughter Jerra and son Travis.

Ruth worked for Sears Metcalf South, Overland Park, KS; as a Sarah Coventry Branch Manager in Lakewood, CO; and at the City of El Dorado, KS as the Engineering and Building Secretary.

Ruth had many volunteer jobs. At her children’s elementary schools, she was a reading tutor, a room mother, a teacher’s assistant, a Cub Scout leader, and the Cub Scouts Pack Secretary. She was a supporter for the El Dorado Swim Club for kids ages 6-18 yrs. At El Dorado High School, she was the Orchestra Boosters Vice President, then President, and was a supporter for the E.H.S. Swim Team. She was a Night Manager at the El Dorado Safe House for battered women and children plus monitored the Rape Crisis phone line. At El Dorado’s Trinity Methodist Church, she was a Council Board member and Chair; Membership Secretary; the Vacation Bible School Coordinator and teacher; Sunday School teacher; YF supporter; and Choir member.

An accomplished seamstress, she even sewed prom and wedding dresses for her family. She also enjoyed doing many crafts. She researched Family History for both John and her families. She collected ancestors’ photos and made a great effort to preserve them.

Ruth authored the historical book, Kaub Grade School, Dist. 7, a one room rural school in Franklin County, KS near Centropolis. Her Kaub family donated the land, helped build this school. Her Great-grandfather Jacob Kaub and Grandfather Ernest Kaub attended school there. Her Great Aunt Gertrude Kaub was a Kaub School teacher. Ruth co-authored the historical book Liberty Grade School, Dist. 58 with her sister Linda McCreight. Her father, Kaub uncles, and all 5 of her siblings attended this one room school, also. These books are in many libraries including the Kansas State Historical Library, Topeka, KS, and the National Genealogy Society in Arlington, VA.

Ruth’s survivors are her husband John Stude, daughter Jerra Stude, son Travis Stude (wife Candi Milnikel-Stude), grandson Wesley Milnikel-Stude, granddaughter Renette Milnikel-Stude, and many other family members.

At the time of his death, Ruth will be laid to rest at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO next to her husband, John.

Memorials may be sent to Epilepsy Foundation at epilepsy.com, or Franklin County Historical Society Archives & Research Center, PO Box 145, 66067, Ottawa, KS.

Howe Mortuary at 439 Coffman St, Longmont, CO is in charge of the funeral arrangements. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 PM on April 23, 2026 at Howe Mortuary followed by a reception from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, also at Howe Mortuary.