Ruth

Noren

Ruth Noren was born a twin on May 16, 1925, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. She grew up on her family's farm near Hillsboro, Iowa. During World War II, Ruth and her twin sister, Lois, went to Moline, Illinois, to work as riveters at a John Deere facility that had been partially converted into a wartime airplane factory. This job enabled them to save money for enrollment at Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas.

While studying at Ottawa, Ruth met Robert E. Noren, and they were married in July 1947. On graduation day in 1948, they left for their new home in Superior, Nebraska, where they lived for 50 years. They had two children: Linda Noren Sunquist and Ronald Noren.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, T.M. and Suzannah Phelps; her son, Ron Noren; her sisters, Lois Noll and Leonard, Dorothy Miller and J.D., and Helen Mathews and Johnny; and her brothers, Pete Phelps, Tom Phelps and Kum Yea, & Dave Phelps.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Sunquist; grandchildren, Jason Sunquist (Tracy) and Tessa Wasser (Alex); three step-great-grandchildren (Zach, Kealey & Taylor); her sister Mary Kongable (Keith, deceased); her brothers, Bill Phelps (Leore), sister-in-law Lonna; and many caring and helpful nieces, nephews, and good friends.

Over the years, Ruth volunteered in many notable positions. She served as Nebraska State President of American Baptist Women for two terms and also as Past President of the American Baptist Convention of Nebraska.

She was a member of the Evergreen Cemetery Board in Superior, Nebraska, for 18 years, including time as President. The First Baptist Church of Superior, Nebraska, benefited from her leadership in every capacity except deacon.

Ruth's many interests and hobbies included cooking, flower gardening, golfing, bowling, and various kinds of handiwork, such as sewing, ceramic painting, needlepoint, embroidery, and knitting.

In 2005, Ruth and Bob moved to Prairie Village, Kansas, where Ruth was active in women's work at Prairie Baptist Church. Bob passed away in 2010, not long after their festive 60th anniversary celebration with many relatives and friends.

Ruth continued to uphold her reputation as the popular, in-demand chef for family gatherings and reunions, as well as the family's history and memory whiz!

The funeral service will be held at Prairie Baptist Church, 7416 Roe Ave, Prairie Village, KS  66208 on December 4, 2026 at 1pm. Graveside service with burial in Evergreen Cemetery will take place at a later date.