Ruth E. Willis, 64 of Russell died Thursday, December 30, 2010 at the Salina Regional Hospital in Salina, Kansas

Ruth was born October 18, 1946 in Beloit, Kansas the daughter of Lester D. and Ida F. (Baker) Terrell.  She grew up in the Downs, Tipton, and Russell areas.  She graduated from the Chapman High School in 1964.

Ruth met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Jerry E. Willis on November 22, 1969 in Salina, Kansas.  They were blessed with two daughters, Amy and Audra Lyn.  Ruth and her family made their home in Russell from 1973 to 1995.  They lived in Clarksville, Arkansas from 1995 to 2001 before returning to Russell in 2001.

Ruth worked for Southwestern Bell.  She was an operator and also held other positions within the company.  She retired in 1996.  She worked for Wilson State Bank in Customer Service.  She also was a Russell County Dispatch for many years before retiring in 2002.

Ruth was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church.  She was very active in the church, helping with WOW, Sunday school and anywhere the church needed help.  She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, needlework, reading and doing cross word puzzles.  But her real joy in life was her grandchildren.

Surviving family include her daughter, Amy Dollison and husband Bill of Russell, Kansas; sister, Sylvia Newton and husband Richard of Russell, Kansas; two grandchildren, Bailey and Cody Dollison; and niece Jami Ganson, great nephew Liam Ganson, great niece Kegann Gideon all of Rossville, Kansas.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and daughter Audra Lyn Willis.

Celebration of Ruth’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell with Pastor Terry McGuire officiating.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Monday, January 3, 2010 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  A memorial has been established with Trinity United Methodist Church.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell who is in charge of these arrangements.  Condolences may also be sent via email at www.pvpmortuary.com.