Ruth Ann Gergen

Ruth Ann (Saum) Gergen was born to Cleetus E. Saum and Celia R. Horner on December 7, 1937 in Geneva, Nebraska, and passed away March 2, 2012, at the Fillmore County Hospital in Geneva, at the age of 74 years, 8 months, and 5 days. She was one of five children in the family. As a young girl, Ruth Ann attended her K through 12 educational years in Geneva, graduating from Geneva High School Class of 1955. Ruth Ann and Clement W. Gergen were united in marriage on May 4, 1957. Together, Clem & Ruth were blessed with seven children. After spending years as a housewife and mother, Ruth Ann went to work for Attorney Grady Corbett. After his passing, Ruth Ann began work at Elder Jewelry. After the closing of Elder Jewelry, Ruth Ann’s career at the Fillmore County Hospital began, which lasted nearly 17 years when she retired in January of 2012. Ruth Ann was filled with unending love. And with her love, she enjoyed going to Lincoln to shop and have lunch with her daughters and grandchildren. She also enjoyed eating out with other family members and friends. Springtime was favored by Ruth Ann, as she enjoyed flower shopping with her daughters. Creating a warm and inviting house was Ruth Ann’s niche. Remembrances of her home included good smells and creative, unique pieces. Along with her decorative niche, Ruth Ann took pleasure in listening to music, as well as Glen Beck, in addition to others on talk radio. Other interests included reading a variety of books and sharing those books with others. She enjoyed watching the food Network and news channels. Preceding Ruth Ann in death were her parents, Cleetus and Celia; husband, Clement; sister, Lynda Saum; brother, Marvin Saum; sisters-in-law, Mary Saum, Dorothy Saum, Dorothy Steube, Theresa Reinsch, Rita Gergen, Mollene Gergen; brothers-in-law, Darrell Steube, Robert Dondlinger, Roger Davis, Irvin Gergen, Jerome Gergen, Father Charles Gergen, and Kenneth Walters. Surviving her are her children, Michael Gergen and special friend, Alliena of Shickley; Victoria Roemmich and husband, Steve of Geneva; Douglas Gergen and wife, Sandy of Geneva; Regina Swartzendruber and husband, Steve of Shickley; Anne Wettstead and husband, Brian of Hickman; Richard Gergen of Denver, CO; and Erin Shiley of Lincoln. Others surviving her are brother, Rick Saum and wife, Wanda of Geneva; sister, Cathryn Walters of Geneva; sisters-in-law, Florence Dondlinger; Loretta Davis of Nebraska City; Sister Marionita Gergen of Campbellsport, WI; 14 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews; and other relatives and friends. Rosary for Ruth Ann was recited at 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 5, 2012, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Funeral services were conducted at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Geneva, on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, with Father Tom Walsh officiating. Music for the Mass was provided by Lori Rasmussen on the organ, who accompanied Faith Kerl singing “On Eagles’ Wings.” Congregational hymns were “I Am The Bread Of Life,” “Amazing Grace,” and “Here I Am Lord.” Pallbearers were her grandsons, Jeremy Fairbanks, Bryan Roemmich, Dan Swartzendruber, Trey Wettstead, Kinser Gergen, and nephew, John Saum. Honorary pallbearers were Keenan Shiley, Kiley Gergen, Krista Swartzendruber, Brianne Wettstead, Katherine Roemmich, and Kalisha Gergen. Graveside services were at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with Farmer & Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Memorials are directed to the family to be designated at a later date.

Tributes

Ruth Ann Gergen

December 7, 1937 - March 2, 2012