Ruth Pauline Corbett, 93, passed away at Ellinwood District Hospital on June 5, 2022. Born on Nov. 21, 1928 on the family farm south of Odin, she was the 10th child of Joseph and Anna (Seus) Hekele.
She attended both grade and high school in Odin, graduating in 1946. She attended Saint Rose Nursing School in Great Bend, graduating in 1949 as a Registered Nurse. Ruth worked at St. Rose Hospital in the surgical department until 1952. Later she worked at Ellinwood District Hospital for several years. She married Edwin L. Corbett Jr. July 21, 1953 at Holy Name Church in Odin, KS. The couple settled in Ellinwood where they raised five children. Edwin passed away in 1984. In 1968, Ruth was hired as School Nurse for Ellinwood District 355, retiring in 1993.
Ruth was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, Heritage Club and the Altar Society. She was also a member of the Retired School Personnel of Barton County.
Ruth had a servant heart. This was demonstrated both in her nursing but also in her love for the church. She enjoyed crocheting everything from baby blankets to Christmas ornaments. She crocheted over 200 different snowflake ornaments for the St. Joseph Church in Ellinwood.
Survivors include four children, Ed (Debra) Corbett of Olathe; Mike (Sharlene) Corbett of Sioux Falls, S.D.; Jim (Jeanie) Corbett and Kevin (Julie) Corbett of Ellinwood; son in law, Ralph Herrman of Ellinwood. Ruth is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin; daughter, Debbie Herrman; sisters, Mary Hekele, Tillie Springer, and Rose Schwartz; brothers, John Hekele, Martin Hekele, Frank Hekele, Arthur Hekele, Alex Hekele and Joseph Hekele.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 9 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father Terrance Klein officiating. Interment will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery, Ellinwood. Visitation will take place Wednesday, June 8 from noon- 6 p.m. at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood, with Altar Society Rosary at 3 p.m. Vigil service will take place 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at St. Joseph Church, Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS.