Ruth Ellen Margaret (Brummer) Dubbert was born December 16, 1929 in Tipton, Kansas, the fifth child of Frank and Katherine (Ketter) Brummer. She died peacefully on Monday, December 23, 2019 at the Downs Care and Rehabilitation Center surrounded by loving family members.
During her early years Ruth Ellen attended Fairmont Country School and later Tipton Catholic grade and high school. In high school, she was a Tipton Cardinals cheerleader and graduated in 1947. Following high school, Ruth Ellen worked as a telephone switchboard operator in Osborne, Kansas.
On October 16, 1951 Ruth Ellen married the love of her life Leon Dubbert at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Tipton. This union of love extended for 64 years and was blessed with six children, 12 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. Leon and Ruth Ellen made their first home on a farm west of Cawker City along Oak Creek. In 1963, the family moved to Cawker City due to the development of Waconda Lake. This house in Cawker City became their home for the next 56 years.
Ruth Ellen was a devoted and loving wife and mother, placing the care and welfare of her husband and children above her own interests. Despite devoting many hours to homemaking, jobs outside the home, and other commitments, she always made her family the highest priority. She was always present at the many school programs, athletic events, and other community and church activities. She also devoted time as a Girl Scout Leader and active supporter for her sons in Boy Scouting.
Her many talents and love for family were demonstrated in so many ways. She was a wonderful homemaker, always tending to the needs of family and home. She was an excellent and avid cook, gardener, canner, and a seamstress who made countless articles of clothing and crafts. Along with these many talents Ruth Ellen was truly exceptional in the art of quilting. She devoted thousands of hours to this craft, creating true works of art. Her quilts were created out of love and devotion to family, as she has gifted uniquely designed quilts to every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild. These quilts, all lovingly signed and dated by Ruth Ellen, will be cherished by the family for many years to come.
Throughout her life Ruth Ellen was devoted to her Catholic faith. She was an active member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Cawker City and a member of the Catholic Ladies Guild. Her devotion to faith carried her through the good times and the hard times, and was an inspiration to all who knew her. Just as she lived, her faith was devoted to the needs of family and friends, as she constantly updated her “prayer list” to be attentive to the needs of others.
Ruth Ellen was preceded in death by the love of her life Leon, who passed away in 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Edwin and Donald; sisters, Doris Marie Fogo and Vivian Steerman; and great-grandchild, Ashley Olsen.
Ruth Ellen is survived by sons Randy (Kathy) Dubbert of Downs, Kevin (Tricia) Dubbert of McPherson, Dale (Linda) Dubbert of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Kelly (Kim) Dubbert of Overland Park; daughters, Denise (Tom) Gaughan of Leawood, and Darcel (Barry) McPeak of Glen Elder; twelve grandchildren, Rachel (Joe) Olsen, Trevor Dubbert, Brett (Tammy) Gaughan, Jonathan (Katelyn) Gaughan, Todd (Stephanie) Dubbert, Chad (Abby) Dubbert, Mackenzie McPeak, Brian Dubbert, Anna Dubbert, Kate (CJ) Kadel, Sarah Dubbert, and Sister Mary of the Beatitudes – Abby Dubbert; two step-grandsons, Jared (Leslie) Berkstresser, and Bradley (Amanda) Berkstresser; thirteen great-grandchildren, Paul, Lily, Izzie, Lena, Gracie, Leon, Brennon, Avery, Magdelene, Tommy, Brogan, Emma, and Shae; two step great-grandchildren, Avery and Isaha; her brothers, Wendell (Delores) Brummer of Downs, and Wayne Brummer of Great Bend; sister, Carol Suter of Aurora, Colorado; and brother-in-law, Vernon Steerman of Alton.
Funeral services will be at 10 AM Saturday, December 28 at the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Cawker City. A Rosary service will be at 7 PM Friday, December 27 at the Church, & visitation will be from 5 PM until the Rosary service begins. Memorials may be given to the Church or the Cawker City Senior Center.