She was born on February 23, 1929, to Clifford and Marie Waldschmidt Gilek in Anthony, Kansas.
Ruth attended a one-room school as a child and enjoyed being close to her cousins. She attended Kansas State University, was a member of Chi Omega sorority, and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor’s in Education. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Education from Emporia State University in 1975.
She was married in 1952 and had three children: Owen Clifford Roberts (Kathlea Roberts), Randy Wesley Roberts, Russell (Gil) Gilek Roberts (Deborah Louise Roberts).
She taught school for over 40 years—primarily Language Arts at Indian Trail Jr. High in Olathe, Kansas—and was active in Seniors Serving Schools and Beta Sigma Phi for many years. She was an involved member at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Olathe, Kansas where she participated in the choir. She loved music and was also a talented piano player. She loved to travel as well as watch Jeopardy and K-State basketball. Throughout her life, Ruth was always close with her cousins in the Waldschmidt family. She had a strong faith despite many difficult circumstances, a contagious smile and laugh, and always a sense of humor and sass.
Ruth is survived by her grandchildren, Kaitlin Elyse Yanis (Issam Yanis), Evan Nicholas Roberts, Kelli Anne Roberts Haug (David Haug), Leslie Marie Roberts (Lukas Hildebrandt), and Sandra Jane Roberts; her great-grandchildren, Osama Yanis, Hamza Yanis, Micah Gilek Haug, Jacey Alexandria Haug, and Eden Avi Roberts Hildebrandt; her nephew and nieces, George Hoover (Carol Hoover), Brenda Childers (John Childers), Julianne Hutchison (Jeff Hutchison), Lisa Roberts Jackson, and Jennifer Combs; and her grand nieces and nephews and great-grand nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Marie Gilek; her sisters, Viola Gilek and Marguerite Hoover; her brother-in-law, Leonard Hoover; and her children, Randy Roberts, Gil Roberts, and Owen Roberts.
Ruth’s family extends their deep gratitude to Advanced Hospice, especially Nurse Miriam; to Cedar Lake Village staff, especially Michelle and Christopher; to her dear friends, Eldon and Christi; and to her faithful and loving home health aide and friend, Faye.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 29 at 4:00pm at McGilley & Frye Funeral Home (105 E Loula St, Olathe, KS 66061) with Rev. David Kahle of Redeemer Lutheran Church officiating.
Inurnment will follow at the Forest Park Cemetery in Anthony, Kansas.
Memorials or donations may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Olathe, Kansas
