Ruth Grabenstein, 96, of Elwood, Nebraska, formerly of Eustis, Nebraska, died August 28th, 2013, at the Elwood Care Center.

Ruth was born July 3rd, 1917, at Farnam, Nebraska, to Morris and Clara (Gewecke) Wyckoff. She graduated from Farnam High School in 1935, as the Valedictorian of her class.

Following her schooling, Ruth taught country school north of Farnam for a year during which time she met her future husband, Ray Grabenstein, at a dance in Farnam. The couple was later married on November 28th, 1937 and their union would be blessed with four children, Jane, Bob, Virginia and Mary Louise. The couple lived briefly in Farnam before moving to Eustis, where they lived the majority of their married lives. In 2002, the couple relocated to Park Avenue Estates in Lexington. Mr. Grabenstein preceded Ruth in death in 2003. In 2009, Ruth relocated to the Elwood Care Center.

Some of Ruth’s happiest moments were made with her family, particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid reader and used the pastime as a means of keeping her mind sharp over the years. She a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Eustis, where she was active in Ladies Aid and was a charter member of St. John’s Faith Circle.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Ray in 2003; daughter, Mary Louise; great granddaughter, Emily Paige Bean; and brother, Dan Wyckoff.

Survivors include her children, Jane (Don) Grabenstein-Chandler of Lincoln, Nebraska, Bob (Cindy) Grabenstein of Kearney, Nebraska, Ann (Paul) O'Hara of Lincoln; four grandchildren, Brent (Kelly) Gengenbach of Eustis, Janine (Scott) Porter of Wichita, Kansas, Stacey (Todd) Bean of Atlantic, Iowa; Ryan (Kim) Grabenstein of Kearney; 10 great grandchildren, Lauren, Courtney and Blake Gengenbach, Kylie Porter, Braden, Sydney and Aleigh Bean, Kaden, Nathan and Lily Grabenstein; and sister-in-law, Esther Grabenstein of Elwood.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 31st, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Eustis with Pastor Harold Laursen officiating.

Burial will be in the East Cemetery at Eustis.

Visitation will be on Friday, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Eustis. A memorial has been established in her memory.

Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.