Helen Ruth Cheely, 95, passed away September 16, 2024, at Brookdale Senior Living in Great Bend, Kansas. She was born March 30, 1929, in Dodge City to William and Grace (Murphy) Remling.
Ruth, as many affectionately referred to her, grew up in Texas County, Oklahoma on the family farm. She graduated as Valedictorian at Optima, Okla., grade school and finished her diploma at Guymon High School. Ruth met the love of her life, Sgt. James Preston Cheely at the Army Airfield in Liberal. They were married at his parents’ home in Clearwater, South Carolina on April 11, 1945, two days before James shipped out to WWII in France.
After the war victory, Ruth and James began life together in Oklahoma. They welcomed Ken Cheely while living in Guyman. In 1950, Ruth and James relocated to Colorado where James became a Depot Agent for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. They lived in several small towns along the Missouri Pacific. While living in Lacrosse, they had their second son, Ray Cheely. They retired to Great Bend where Ruth worked as a detailed bookkeeper at Sears, Amerine Electric, Roy Rogers Insurance Agency, and Ray A. Cheely, Chtd. She loved to volunteer her time at the Barton County Historical Society where she had also served as a former secretary. She was a member of the Christian Church in Utica and a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Ruth found joy in visiting and fellowshipping with friends. She could be found at the Senior Center enjoying a cup of coffee and catching up with those she treasured.
Ruth is survived by son; Kenneth Cheely and his wife Virginia of Great Bend, grandson, Michael Cheely and his wife Tami, great grandsons Preston Cheely and his wife Riley, Caleb Cheely and Sarah Gonzales, great great granddaughter, Aysen Cheely; daughter in law Sheryl Cheely of Great Bend, and many cherished friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, James Preston Cheely; son, Ray Cheely; and brother George Remling.
Graveside service will take place at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 20, 2024, at Great Bend Cemetery with Rev. William F. Johnson presiding. Visitation will be held from Noon to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Additional visitation will be held Friday from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials can be made to Barton County Historical Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.