Ruth Elizabeth Bird

Ruth Elizabeth Bird, 96, died April 26, 2013, at Pioneer Lodge, Coldwater, KS. She was born October 18, 1916, to Roy Wick and Bettie Sue (Robey) Boisseau in Larned, KS. She graduated from East High School in Wichita, KS and Kansas University in 1938, with a BS in Education. Following her graduation, she taught elementary education in Coldwater for four years and in Pratt, KS. During WWII, she worked at Boeing Aircraft in Wichita, KS. She returned to teaching at Coldwater Junior High, Coldwater, KS, in 1961, retiring in 1969. She was the librarian, taught English and Kansas History, and was a principal.
On May 25, 1947, she married Richard Bird in Coldwater, KS. Together they operated a ranch west of Coldwater for many years. He died in 1997.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, brother: Roy Boisseau; and sisters: Myra Finch and Margaret Stearns.
Survivors include three daughters: Betty Long and husband Dale of Gate, OK, Nancy Butler and husband Tommy of Helena, MT, and Marilyn Rietzke and husband Tim of Coldwater, KS; grandchildren: Scott Long and wife Stephanie, Nathan Long and wife Lindsey, Jamie Rietzke, Kaci Harmon and husband Tanner, and Sarah and Megan Butler; great-grandchildren: Garrison, Madeline, Katelin, Makenzie, and Gentry Long and Kayde Rietzke.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Comanche County Historical Society, Civic Club, and was a Girl Scout Leader and Sunday School Teacher. She also served on the Comanche County Hospital, Coldwater-Wilmore Regional Library, Comanche County Farm Bureau, and Comanche County Extension Boards.

Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday, May 3, 2013, at Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Coldwater, KS.

Graveside service is at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 4, 2013, at Crown Hill Cemetery in Coldwater, KS.

Memorials may be sent to Pioneer Lodge, Coldwater United Methodist Church, or Comanche County Hospital in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.