Ruth A. (Hanke) Lindquist was born January 12, 1920 to Rudolph and Marie(Hageman) Hanke in Ithaca, Nebraska. She moved with her family to Fort Robinson and, later, Ceresco, Nebraska. Ruth began her public education in Crawford and then attended her remaining grade school and high school years in Ceresco. Ruth attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for one year and then was allowed to take the exam to become a teacher. She taught in District 24 near Malmo, and Districts 100 and 29 near Swedeburg. She died September 11, 2009 at the age of 89 years, seven months and 29 days.
Ruth married Ted Lindquist June 1, 1941 in Swedeburg. They were blessed with three children, Marvin, Patricia, and Jeanine. Ted and Ruth farmed from 1941 until 1960, when they purchased the Coast to Coast store in Wahoo, which they owned until 1975.
Ruth loved to be involved in community efforts and was particularly dedicated to the growth of the Saunders County Historical Society and Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Among her many organizational memberships have been SCHS Board of Directors; Bethlehem Lutheran women's group, ladies choir and blanket making group; state and Wahoo Woman's Club; African Violet Society, State Rose Society; American Iris Society; national, regional, state and local Garden Club; and national and state Judges Council. Ruth was also a nationally accredited Flower Show Judge, talented flower arranger, state Flower Show chairman, and avid cultivator of African Violets and outdoor garden flowers.
Ruth enjoyed traveling with her "Teddy" as they experienced Ireland, Europe, Israel, northern Africa, Korea, Japan and other locations in Southeast Asia. In addition, they were able to see many places in our own USA. They also hosted Friendship Force guests from Japan and Korea.
Ruth faithfully accompanied Ted on his annual fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada. They were especially excited to fish in Alaska their last four times.
Ruth is survived by her son, Marvin, and wife Jacki of Tigard, Oregon; daughters, Patricia and husband Roger Poppe of Cook, Nebraska, and Jeanine and husband Warren Cline of Lincoln; grandchildren Arthur and Daniel Lindquist of Tigard, Oregon, Gregg Poppe and wife Jana of Prior Lake, Minnesota, Eric Poppe and wife Patti of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Stephanie and husband Tim McWilliams of Overland Park, Kansas, MacKenzie Cline and Parker Cline of Lincoln; brother Ken Hanke of Wahoo, sister Darlene and husband Delmar Anderson of Broomfield, Colorado, sisters-in-law Hazel Hanke, Mary Ann Hanke of Wahoo, brother-in-law Kenneth Treptow of Aurora; many nephews, nieces, and friends.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ted; brothers Harold Hanke and Loren Hanke, and sister Retha Treptow.