Ruth Delores Craig, 68 of Russell, Kansas died Monday, December 23, 2013 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Ruth was born March 8, 1945 in rural Galatia, Kansas the daughter of Elmer and Esther (Nuss) Schafer.  She grew up and attended school in the Galatia and Milberger area.

Ruth was united in marriage to William “Bill” Craig on January 10, 1981 in Hays, Kansas.  This union was blessed with two children; Melissa and Randy.  They made their home in the Russell area.

Ruth worked as a mig welder for APCO for over 36 years.  Before that she worked for ELL-CAN in Ellsworth from 1971 to 1981.

Ruth was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church of Russell.  She loved fishing, playing bingo, collecting dolphins and spending time with family and friends.

Surviving family include her husband of 32 years, William of the home; daughter, Melissa Thomas (James) of Russell, Kansas; son, Randy Stropes of Ellis, Kansas; brothers, Geary Schafer of Gorham, Kansas and Robert Schafer of New York, New York; sisters, Shirley Pitchford of Oklahoma and Roberta Hupfer of Russell, Kansas; and four grandsons, Jesse Thomas, Devin Thomas, Gage Stropes and Dru Stropes.  She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Elmer Schafer, Jr. and grandson Bryce Stropes.

Celebration of Ruth’s Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, December 27, 2013 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.  Cremation will follow the services.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Thursday, December 26, 2013 at the mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  A memorial has been established as the Ruth Craig Memorial.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.