Obituary of Ruth Frances Lampe

Ruth Frances (Koester) Lampe, age 90, was born January 25, 1927 in the family home in Piqua, Kansas. She passed away in this same home on January 13, 2018. Her father, Herman George Koester, came to Woodson County from Bartelso, Illinois in 1900 to build a farm and a life. After a few years, he sent for his bride, Anna Sundrup Koester, to help him with his endeavor. Ruth was the third of five daughters born to Herman and Anna, the first daughter, Ann, was stillborn.

Ruth and her three sisters, Mary Ann, Ceal Clare, and Elinor grew up on the farm northwest of Piqua. They attended the one-room schoolhouse 2 ½ miles from their home. The sisters were very close, very ornery and always had fun when they were together.

On February 10, 1947, Ruth married Raymond John Lampe of Piqua and in 1952, following the death of Ruth's father they purchased the family farm. This is where Ray and Ruth raised their family and she lived until her death.

Ruth was a dedicated farmer's wife. Most summer dinners (noon meal) were plucked out of the chicken house and pulled from the garden. These were some of the most delicious meals ever. Ruth loved raising chicken and sold eggs for many years.

Ruth was a lifelong member of the St. Martin Parish and she served in the St. Martin Altar Society, eventually holding every office. She also was the official gravy maker at the St. Martin Thanksgiving dinner held in Piqua Grade School for many years. After Raymond passed, she volunteered at Jefferson Grade School helping with the reading program. She also worked as a docent for the Frederick Funston Museum in Iola. She enjoyed her church community, her pinochle friends, reading, and quilting.

Ruth and Raymond had three children, Richard "Dickie" Harold, who died of pneumonia at 16 months of age, Vicki and husband, Nick Hay of Yates Center, Kansas, and Don Lampe and wife, Shelia Eckroat Lampe of Piqua. Ruth's four granddaughters were a great source of pride, and she loved supporting them in their various activities. Grandchildren are, Heather Hay Stessman and husband, Marty, Heidi Hay Shriver and husband, Aaron, Amanda Lampe Moyer and husband Jeremy, Alisha Lampe Tucker and husband, Adam. She also has nine great grandchildren and six step great grandchildren. She is also survived by her baby sister, Elinor Adele Koester Plake of Kansas City, Kansas, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Anna Sundrup Koester; husband, Raymond in 1998; son, Dickie in 1948; older sister, Mary Ann Koester Porter in 2017; younger sister, Ceal Clare "Jake" Koester Ehlenberg in 2017.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at the St. Martin's Oratory with burial to follow in the St. Martin's Cemetery. The family will greet friends following the Rosary at 7:00 PM, Tuesday evening at St. Martin's. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Martin's Cemetery Fund or to the Allen County Hospice and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.