Virginia Ruth Damron, 91, of Russell, Kansas, died on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at the Golden Living Center in Wilson, Kansas.

Ruth was born on June 20, 1920, in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of Christian and Pauline (Bay) Kerbs.  She lived in Russell during most of her childhood and attended Russell schools.  She lived in Texas for a time but eventually returned to Russell.  She was united in marriage to Pete Damron in 1961 and Pete preceded her in death in January 2005.  For a time she worked in the restaurant and grocery businesses but her passion was working as a senior companion for the elderly and did so for 15 years.  She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary.  She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

Surviving family include her grandchildren Jody Smith of Wink, Texas, Cary Herndon of Russell, Kansas, Shana Herndon of Dallas, Texas and Jack Herndon of Midland Texas; 4 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Pete Damron; daughters Linda Harding and Lana Herndon; brother Kenneth Kerbs and infant brother Robert Kerbs.

Graveside services to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held at 3:30 P.M. on Friday, April 20, 2012, at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  There will be no viewing and visitation with the family will take place before and after the graveside service.  Memorials may be given to the St. John Lutheran Church of Russell and may be sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.