Ruth Marie (Leiker) Howard

Ruth Marie (Leiker) Howard

Ruth Marie (Leiker) Howard, 81, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2023.

She was born on May 15, 1942, in Hays, Kansas, to Edmund F. and Pearl (Kippes) Leiker.  Ruth grew up with three sisters; Hazel Roberts, of Wheatland, Wyoming, Clarissa Ann Augustine, of Hays, and Carol Zedaker, of Wheatland, Wyoming.  

Ruth was known for her generous and strong spirit.  She was an independent and intelligent woman who dedicated her life to her family.  On November 3, 1962, Ruth married Theodore Dinges, Jr. and together they had three children, Suzanne Shackelford (Pete) of Hutchinson, Michael Dinges (Tana) of Hays, and Deborah Jones (Keith) of Palos Verdes Estates, California.  Ruth had four beloved grandchildren, Celeste Conklin (Sam), Michael “Rawley” Dinges, Austin Jones, Kenny Jones, and a great grandson, Samuel Jacob “SJ” Conklin, Jr.

Later, Ruth married Galen Howard of Arlington, Kansas on July 31, 1989 and was welcomed by his three children Teresa Mattheis (Dennis) of Omaha, Nebraska, David Howard (Kami) of Basehor, and Mike Howard (Melissa) of Lawrence.  Ruth loved her entire extended family, including her grandchildren Scott Hornbaker (Megan), Maresa Sierra (Matt), Kendra Hornbaker, Madison Howard, Zachary Howard, Lauren Howard, and Emily Howard, and great-grandchildren, Henley Hornbaker and Lincoln Sierra.

Ruth had a long career as a manager for Fuller Brush. In her free time, Ruth enjoyed playing violin in the Hutchinson Symphony, where she also served as the librarian for many years. Her passion for music brought joy to her life and those around her.  She was an active member of Holy Cross Church in Hutchinson, Kansas. She found solace and strength in her faith and served the church for many years as the church librarian.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Galen, her son Michael and her sister Clarissa Ann.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.  Visitation will be at 9:00 am until service time with a rosary at 9:30 am, all on Saturday at the church.  A rosary with family present will be at 6:00 pm on Friday, August 18, 2023 at The Church of the Holy Cross in Hutchinson, followed by light refreshments. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made payable to: Holy Family Elementary School, American Diabetes Association, or to Hospice House of Hutchinson.  Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.  Condolences and memories of Ruth may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com

May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth Marie (Leiker) Howard, please visit our floral store.