Ruthanne Wasko

Ruthanne Wasko, 88, of Overland Park, Kansas, formerly of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Villa St. Francis Catholic Care Center, Olathe, Kansas.

Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ottawa, Kansas.

Rosary will be held at 5:30 P.M., Friday, March 31, 2023, followed by a Vigil for the Deceased from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa.

Inurnment in Parker Cemetery, Arkansas City, Kansas, at a later date.

Ruthanne was born February 23, 1935, at Hanston, Kansas, the daughter of Andrew and Katherine (Spahn) Stegman. She graduated from Jetmore High School with the class of 1953.

She was united in marriage to Harry Wasko June 12, 1964, in Jetmore, Kansas. Ruthanne and Harry resided in Ottawa since 2004, moving here from Pittsburg, Kansas. They also lived in Arkansas City, Kansas for many years. Harry preceded her in death on January 21, 2015.

Ruthanne was employed as a regional property manager with Metro Plains Management of St. Paul, Minnesota, from 1991 until her retirement in 2008. One of the properties Ruthanne managed was Ottawa Courthouse Square Apartments. Between managing properties, Ruthanne was also a homemaker raising six wonderful children. She was so proud of all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and spoke highly of all of them.

She was a former member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Arkansas City and a current member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ottawa. Ruthanne dedicated her time and talents to her church through the Altar Society and prayer groups at Sacred Heart and her community as a member of the Ottawa Main Street Association and the Ottawa Planning Commission.

Ruthanne enjoyed playing cards, specifically bridge, joining a bridge group in Ottawa. She especially enjoyed quilting and entertaining friends and family at gatherings.

Ruthanne was preceded in death by her husband, Harry, her parents; daughter, Katie Jaemarie Wasko; and her four brothers and three sisters.

Survivors include five children, Andrew Cole (Janet Lewis) of The Hague, The Netherlands, John Tovar of Wichita, Joe Tovar (Samantha) of Winfield, Matthew Wasko (Beth) of Overland Park, Luke Ahn (Angela) of Plano, Texas; brother, Lawrence Stegman (Jean) of Dodge City; thirteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Sacred Heart Catholic Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067 and Friends of the Ottawa Library. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Ruthanne’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com.