Ruth Rhea

Ruth Agnes Garner Rhea, 96, of Paola, Kansas, passed away surrounded by family on April 27, 2009 at Vintage Park, Paola, Kansas. Graveside services will be May 1, at 11:00 AM, at the Paola Cemetery and a memorial service at 2:00 PM, at Evergreen Events/Lighthouse. Memorials may be made to Heart to Heart Pregnancy Center, 721 " Renshaw, Laramie, Wyoming, 82072. Ruth Agnes Garner Rhea was born January 31, 1913 in Drexel, Missouri to Ulysses Grant Garner and Caroline Haefner Garner. The seventh of nine children, Ruth grew up in the Drexel, Missouri area, graduating from Drexel high school in 1931. After high school she attended Warrensburg State College for a year, then worked for Farmers Mutual Telephone Company for several years. Before being employed there, Ruth had to memorize the 450 telephone numbers of all the customers. Her character was shaped by a strong, Christian heritage and a loving, close family that always supported each other and gave service to their community. Her father Lou told his children, "I can"t give you much, but I have given you a good name. See that you keep it." Ruth did. She carried that devotion to family into her own home when she married John Lyman Rhea, Sr. on December 31,1938 at First Presbyterian church in Paola, Kansas. They made their home in Paola, where Lyman was manager of the bulk station for Standard Oil Co. Their union was blessed with three children: John Lyman, Jr., Harold Garner, and Lois Ann. Along with Lyman, Ruth was deeply involved with her children, grandchildren, her church and community. She was a faithful student of the Bible who loved her Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. She completed the Menninger Bible Study, was active in Sunday school and United Presbyterian Women. Ruth had a servant"s heart, being always gracious to those she met and knew. She was truly a gentle lady with a pure heart. She stayed the last eight years at Vintage Park where the staff gave her the loving care of good friends. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, sisters, and husband. She is survived by John Lyman Rhea and wife Janet of Paola, Harold Garner Rhea and wife Susan of North Platte, Nebraska, Lois Ann Higgins and husband Bill of Laramie, Wyoming, eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.