Ruth Hammel (Fischer)

HAMMEL-Ruth (Fischer), a retired Ralston High School home economics teacher, died on Feb. 13 following a lengthy battle with a rare neurological disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). A beloved wife, mother and grandmother, she was 78. Ruth was born on Jan. 12, 1929 in St. Louis, Mo., and grew up in Wakefield, Neb., where she graduated from high school. She was a resident at the Millard Good Samaritan Center since 2005. Ruth retired as a full-time teacher in 1989 after more than 25 years at Ralston High, then worked as a substitute for 10 more years. She began her teaching career in Oakland, Neb., after graduating from the University of Nebraska in 1951. She earned a master’s degree in education in 1970. Ruth was active in several professional organizations, including the Nebraska Vocational Teachers’ Association, the Nebraska Vocational Home Economics Teachers’ Association and Home Economists in Home and Community (HEHC). She married her husband, Don, in 1953, and raised three children while living in Lyons, Neb., Beresford, S.D., and Ralston. She loved to sew, cook, bicycle, cross-country ski and visit her grandchildren and sisters. She was a member of the Omaha Ski Club, a sponsor for the Ralston High School Ski Club, and a member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Ralston. Besides her husband, Ruth is survived by three children, Patricia, atty. of Madison, Wis., Paul of Lincoln, Dr. William of Anchorage, Alaska; sisters Ardith Swisher of Rapid City, S.D., Doris Bokemper of Lincoln, Kathy Hass of San Diego, Calif., and brother, Carlin Fischer of Ralston; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Verner and Esther Fischer of Wakefield, Neb. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to The Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy www.psp.org or Central Asia Institute, schools or girls with Greg Mortenson www.ikat.org. Memorial service Saturday, 2:00 p.m., West Center Chapel.

HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN-DWORAK-CUTLER WEST CENTER CHAPEL 78th & West Center 391-3900

Sign Guestbook

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *