Ruth Ellen (Payne) Butler, a life-long resident of KS, died on August 15, 2022, at the age of 96. Ruth was born on December 24, 1925, to William Allen and Lina Payne, their only child. Ruth grew up in Oskaloosa, KS. In high school, at a height of approximately 6 feet, she was known as the basketball star. She graduated from KU in 1947 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and was an active member of the Beta Kappa Chapter of Delta Gamma where she made many long-lasting friendships.
As a young woman, Ruth was known for her beauty and love of life. She was willing to try anything including flying lessons, and she was always ready for a good time. She married her husband, Don Butler, in 1953. Their love for travel took them around the world. They especially enjoyed boating and other water activities and spent much of their time at the surrounding lakes and in Florida and Mexico—always with friends.
Ruth’s professional life was spent at Kansas City Power & Light Company. Over her 40+ year tenure, she was the executive assistant for many corporate executives including the CEO, Robert Zimmerman. She had wonderful stories to tell about being a professional woman in the 40’s— dressed in white gloves with a hat and after work drinks at the Drum Room across the street in downtown Kansas City.
Ruth was a wonderful friend and valued each and every friendship—her sorority sisters, professional colleagues, travel buddies, and the many others she met throughout her life. In her memory her remaining friends, and children of those friends, salute Ruth— “A life well lived.”
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What a great friend Ruth was to our family. She was always part of festive occasions at our home and at the lake. Mom and dad shared a place with Ruth and Don at Lake of the Ozarks where we enjoyed countless good times. And who can forget ‘The Gala”, their pontoon boat but not just any pontoon boat no, it was unique to say the least. Ruth and Don decorated their boat with flowers, plants and a polka dot bar in the center of the deck. Even the life rings said “The Gala”. Boaters from everywhere would slow to take pictures of “The Gala” and all who sailed on her.
Ruth was the definition of fun. I specifically remember her laugh, it was unmistakable. As I kid my parents would take their turn hosting the infamous TGIF party. I’d be upstairs in my bed (supposedly sleeping) and hear Ruth laughing and having a great time. There are so many memories I have of Ruth like when she’d call me around Christmas time to bring her tree up from the basement. “Sure Ruth” I’d say, knowing full-well it wasn’t going to be easy. The stairway was narrow and she insisted on leaving all the lights and ornaments on the tree every year. As careful as I’d try to be, some of the ornaments would inevitably fall off and break. But no matter I’d run out and pick up a couple more.
Ruth was one of the most frugal persons I’ve ever known…As we’d gather for our Christmas gift exchange she would re-use the same gift bags every year. We’d all have a good laugh when she’d pull out the bags she used last year, and the year before that, and the year before that. No matter as there was always something great from Ruth inside that ole gift bag.
Ruth Butler was a very special person and I know my life is better for knowing her. Thank you Ruth for all the good times.
Michael Mattison