Ruth Shank

Ruth Shank of Columbus died Saturday, June 2, 2012 at the Creighton Medical Center in Omaha.

Ruth Kallweit was born May 14, 1917 near Platte Center, NE to George and Ida (Lutjens) Kallweit. Grew up around Platte Center and graduated from Platte Center High School. Ruth went on to attend the Grand Island School of Business. She joined Loup Public Power in 1938, only 5 years after the Districts formation. Ruth married Louis Fish Shank on February 6, 1943 in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1946, Ruth began working with Margaret Curry writing a book titled The History of Platte County. This began her love of the history of Columbus and Platte County. After raising her family, Ruth returned to work full time at Loup Public Power in 1965. She was a PBX Operator/receptionist and was known as the Voice of Loup Power until her retirement in 2001 at the age of 84. Ruth was a life long member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she served as a greeter and taught Sunday school. She was a member of the Ladies Fire Auxiliary and the Platte County Historical Society. Ruth enjoyed gardening, making dolls, and baking.

She is survived by:
Daughter Linda (John) Richards of Amarillo, TX
Son Steve (Darlis) Shank of Hartington, NE
Son Mike (Phyllis) Shank of Columbus, NE
Son Tom (Theresa) Shank of Columbus, NE
Eight Grandchildren: Emily (Rod) Bailey, Tina Shank, Josh, Chris, and Kaylee Shank, Justin (Christine), Makenzie, and Carter Shank.
Two Step Grandchildren: Samantha and Cody Brown
Six Great Grandchildren
Brother Bob (Helen) Kallweit of Platte Center

She is preceded in death by:
Husband Louis Fish Shank
Parents George and Ida Kallweit
Grandson Jeremy Shank
Sister Velma Goering
Brother Steve Kallweit

Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church Youth Ministries, Platte County Historical Society, or to the donors choice.