Ruth E. Callahan

Ruth E. Callahan, 92, Topeka, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2008 at Clare Bridge of Topeka.

Ruth was born October 22, 1915 in Goff, Kansas the daughter of John Sherman and Hettie Edith (Barnes) Sourk. She graduated from Goff Rural High School in 1933 and then attended and graduated from Cosmetology school in Topeka.

She worked as a hairdresser at the Kansan Hotel and Pelletiers department store and several other beauty shops. She taught pre-school at Creative Play at the Crestview Community Center and was a homemaker.

Ruth held memberships at Goff Christian Church, First United Methodist Church and Crestview United Methodist Church where she was a member of Keenagers and The United Methodist Women serving as secretary for many years and taught Sunday school. She was a current member at Town & Country Christian Church. She and her husband were members of Washburn Walkers and supporters of the Topeka Civic Symphony.

Ruth married James P. Callahan on April 10, 1938 in Topeka. He died January 24, 2000. Survivors include sons, Larry (Barbara) Callahan, Rodney Callahan, all of Topeka, Kevin (Lisa) Callahan, Derby; daughter, Cynthia (John) Kratina, Topeka; grandchildren, Russell (Janna) Callahan, Garden City, Shelly and Shannon Callahan, Derby, Jesse, Joshua and Amanda Kratina, Topeka; and sister, Sarah Rainey, Topeka. She was also preceded in death by brothers, Orville and Gerald Sourk.

Ruth was cared for at Clare Bridge for the past two years. This became home and the staff became her second family. They welcomed Ruth or "Ruthie" as they loving called her with open arms and provided for her every need with excellence, love and respect. Ruth's family would like to thank everyone at Clare Bridge for taking such wonderful care of their precious mother and grandmother. God Bless all of you.

Ruth will live on in our hearts forever and will be remembered and loved for her kind and loving ways, positive outlook on life, willingness to take time to listen and be available to lend a helping hand and an encouraging word. Ruth had many talents and interests, she was an excellent cook, a very talented seamstress and gardener with a true green thumb. She loved to sing and play the piano and organ. Ruth was one of God's true blessings in the lives of the people around her. She will always be loved and cherished and we will miss her deeply. She is now with dad once again and with our loving savior, Jesus Christ. We will see her again.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2008 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Ruth will lie in state at the funeral home after 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday and visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Crestview United Methodist Church, 2245 SW Eveningside Drive, Topeka, Kansas 66614 or Clare Bridge, 5800 SW Drury Lane, Topeka, Kansas 66604 or Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606.