Viola Ruth Ummen, 96, passed away on October 21, 2021, at Diversicare of
Larned. She was born on March 4, 1925, at Claflin, to Henry & Anna
(Christians) Riemann. She married Lester J. Ummen on February 14, 1960,
at Great Bend. He died December 29, 2000.
A lifetime Great Bend
resident, Ruth was a homemaker for many years. She was a member of
Trinity Lutheran Church. At 18 she moved to Kansas City to become a
"Rosie the Riveter" at the North American Aviation plant during WWII.
She supported the war effort by sanding airplane wings and delivering
parts. She returned to the area and worked at various local businesses,
including Scheufler Supply, as a secretary and bookkeeper. Her pastimes
included bowling, traveling, water skiing, and quilting. She became a
full time farm wife and added gardening, genealogy, and painting to her
hobbies. Ruth especially loved spending time with her family and
traveling with them to share new adventures. She spent endless hours
involved with school and church activities, scout activities, and 4-H
activities to support her children's interests.
Survivors
include, a son, Mark Ummen and wife Tracy (Bellendir) Ummen of
Springfield, Va.; a daughter, Dr. Karla Eisele of Flatwoods, Ky.; four
grandchildren, Jessica (Damm) Lamphere, Paul Damm, Christopher Ummen and
wife Helenna Cunha, and Sarah Ummen; and 3 great grandchildren, Delilah
Damm, Paul Damm Jr., and Onyx Lamphere. She was preceded in death by
her parents; her husband, Lester Ummen; and her siblings, Willis
Riemann, Albert Riemann, Opal Cox, and Mabel Bender.
There will
be no visitation and a Graveside Service will be held at 11:00
a.m., Thursday, October 28, 2021, at the Great Bend Cemetery
with Reverend Merle Brockhoff presiding. Memorials have been designated
to Barton County Historical Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.