Ruth L. (Barnes) Trickett

Ruth L. Prothe Barnes Trickett, 91, passed away peacefully at her home in Ottawa, Kansas, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.Born on June 11, 1933, in the Aubry Township of Johnson County, Kansas, Ruth grew up in the Block community, southeast of Paola. She graduated from Paola High School in 1951 and went on to work as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell. In Coffeyville, she worked for the Coffeyville Loan & Investment Co. She later raised a family in Herington, Kansas and built a career as the Society Editor for The Herington Times newspaper for 25 years until her retirement. Ruth was also the official scorekeeper for her daughters’ softball teams, a role she embraced with the same dedication as any coach.

On November 27, 1954, Ruth married W.D. “Dub” Barnes at Trinity Lutheran Church in Block, and together they built a wonderful life until his passing in 1995. Ruth was Dub’s biggest fan, never missing a game when he was the head coach of the high school basketball teams. On June 8, 2001, she married Leland Trickett, and the two shared many adventures, traveling in their RV and making the road trip from Kansas to Alaska an impressive seven times before his passing in 2010.

.Ruth was baptized as an infant into the Lutheran faith and current member of Faith Lutheran Church of Ottawa. In support of her husband Dub, she was a member of the Kansas Auctioneers Association Auxiliary. She had a sweet and loyal nature, and if there was a game to watch—especially one her children or grandchildren were playing in—you could count on her to be there, cheering from the front row and keeping score. One of her favorite times of year was college basketball season; she always looked forward to following her favorite coaches and players and filling out her bracket. Ruth also loved playing cards—a hobby passed down from her grandfather—and cherished big family holidays with all the grandchildren gathered around. She and Dub spent years dancing and coaching, and she and Leland made countless memories on the road.

.A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ruth is survived by her brother Clifford Prothe (Donna) of Paola, her three daughters and their families: Brenda Bluma of Ottawa; Glenda Johnston (Mike) of Gardner; and Lynda Sader (Brant) of Olathe. Her legacy continues through her 10 grandchildren: Nathan Glessner; Taylor Bowers (Ben); Jessica Galindo (Adam); Dustin Bluma (Madi); Casey Sader; Breanna Redding (Ryan); Cody Sader (Kiara); Connor Johnston; Corey Johnston; and Carson Sader. She was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Will Bowers, Abigail Galindo, Isabel Galindo, Vivian Bluma, Riggs Redding, and Wade Bluma.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband W.D. of 40 years; husband Leland of 9 years; parents Carl and Clara Prothe; brother Clyde Prothe; and sister Maxine Reed.

.Ruth had a way of making everyone feel loved, and her warmth and kindness will be deeply missed. The memories she created and the love she shared will continue through the family she adored.

Services will be held at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Paola, with visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, and the funeral at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 21. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to MD Anderson Ovarian Cancer Research in honor of Ruth’s daughter Glenda, an ovarian cancer survivor, or to Faith Lutheran Church of Ottawa in care of Dengel & Son Mortuary - Paola (305 N. Pearl St., Paola, KS 66071).