Ruth Ann Finnell (Preston) passed away on June 13, 2018. She was a talented artist, quilter, mom and grandma and had an infectious sense of creativity and adventure. She found great joy in the simplest things and saw life as a series of beautiful moments just waiting to be captured by canvas and brush. She was known in the Wichita art community for her fashion drawings in the Wichita Eagle, oil and pastel portraits and watercolor landscapes. She was a long-time member of Gallery XII and the Quilters Guild. Ruth was born in Haviland, Kansas on July 27, 1930, the oldest of three children to Charlie and Leta (Whitney) Preston. She was married to Ralph Finnell from October 19, 1952, until his death in 1999, and together they raised two daughters and enjoyed spoiling their grandchildren. After the loss of Ralph, Ruth embraced a new chapter of life in the company of Steve LeDou. In her later years, Steve’s watchful and tender care enabled Ruth to thrive at home as her health declined. She is survived by her daughters Cynthia Finnell-Fruth (spouse Bob) and Cheryl Yavornitzki (spouse Stephen), grandchildren Whitney Pipkin (spouse Cole), Alli Casey (spouse Garrett) and Zachary Fruth, two great grandchildren Cora and Charlie Pipkin, and her traveling companion Steve LeDou. We all look forward to seeing her amazing smile, new artistic masterpieces and her wonderful laugh in heaven someday. A celebration for Ruth will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, June 30, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2258 N. Marigold Lane, Wichita, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Legacy Ministries, 945 S. Wichita, Wichita, KS 67213 or at www.Legacy-Ministries.com.
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