Ruth G. Leas, 104, Hays, died Sunday, October 4, 2020, at her son’s home in Hays.
She was born December 5, 1915, in Elkhart, Kansas the daughter of James B. and Viola (Schnauffer) Garlow. She was a graduate of Hays High School in 1933, and she earned her Bachelor’s Degree at Fort Hays State University. On April 10, 1936, she was united in marriage to Arthur J. Leas in Hays, and they celebrated 75 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on January 11, 2012. She worked at Markwell’s Office Supply, was a secretary for the school nurse at Hays High School, and worked in the children’s department at the Hays Public Library. Ruth was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church and P.E.O. She creatively crafted much of her own home décor, enjoyed creating string artwork, and liked traveling with Arthur.
She is survived by a son; Mike Leas and wife Debbie of Hays, four grandchildren; Jana Mannan and husband Maq, Julie Ertel and husband Greg, Chris Leas, and Ryan Leas and wife Lisa, and five great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; Arthur, a daughter; Judy Swail, a brother; Maurice Garlow, and a sister; Blanche Small.
A celebration of life gathering will be from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at The Heritage Eatery, 114 E. 12th Street, Hays. The family requests those attending wear a mask or have full vaccination.
Memorials are suggested to the FHSU Endowment Foundation, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Ruth may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com