Ruth Pauline Corbett

 Ruth Pauline Corbett, 93, passed away at Ellinwood District Hospital on June 5th, 2022.
Born on Nov. 21, 1928 on the family farm south of Odin, KS, she was the 10th
child of Joseph and Anna (Seus) Hekele. She attended both grade and high school in Odin, Kansas, 
graduating in 1946. She attended Saint Rose Nursing School in Great Bend, KS graduating in 1949
as a Registered Nurse. Ruth worked at St. Rose Hospital in the surgical department until
1952. Later she worked at Ellinwood District Hospital for several years. She
married Edwin L. Corbett Jr. July 21, 1953 at Holy Name Church in Odin, KS. The couple settled in 
Ellinwood where they raised 5 children. Edwin passed away in 1984. In 1968, she was hired as School 
Nurse for Ellinwood District 355, retiring in 1993.
Ruth was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, Heritage
Club and the Altar Society. She was also a member of the Retired School
Personnel of Barton County.
Ruth had a servant heart. This was demonstrated both in her nursing but also in her love for the 
church. She enjoyed crocheting everything from baby blankets to Christmas ornaments. She crocheted 
over 200 different snowflake ornaments for the St. Joseph Church in Ellinwood. 
Survivors include 4 children, Ed (Debra) Corbett of Olathe, KS, Mike (Sharlene) Corbett of Sioux 
Falls, SD, Jim (Jeanie) Corbett and Kevin (Julie) Corbett of Ellinwood, KS, son in law, Ralph Herrman of 
Ellinwood, KS. 18 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was 
preceded in death by her husband, Edwin; daughter, Debbie Herrman; sisters, Mary Hekele, Tillie 
Springer, and Rose Schwartz; brothers, John Hekele, Martin Hekele, Frank Hekele, Arthur Hekele, Alex 
Hekele and Joseph Hekele.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:30 AM, Thurs., June 9th at St. Joseph
Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father Terrance Klein officiating. Interment will
follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery, Ellinwood. Visitation will take place Wed.
June 8th from noon- 6 PM at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood, KS with Altar Society
Rosary at 3 PM. Vigil service will take place 7 pm Wed. evening at St. Joseph
Church, Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church in care
of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS.
 

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