W. Ruth Dingwall Anderson transitioned from this life to eternal life on April 18, 2020 in Belleville, IL. She was the daughter of Kenneth Murdoch Dingwall and Wilma Annice Dingwall (nee Arandale). Her brother Kenneth Dingwall proceeded her in death. Her sister Ellen Friesen (Dean) survives. Her loving husband of 52 years, David, survives as well as their children, Michael and Bryan Anderson. Michael’s wife Kathryn and their three children also survive and were dearly loved. Bryan and wife Heather were so important to Ruth.
Ruth was born on January 18, 1940, in Newton, Kansas. She loved school, and graduated from Newton High School in 1957. Having a scholarship that included tuition and books to Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State University), she graduated with a B.S. in Education in 1961, majoring in Speech and English. She spent much of her time there being in theater and with her sorority Sigma Sigma Sigma. She was a candidate for Miss Emporia State and led her sorority to first place in the Singing Bee.
Ruth taught school in New Haven, CN, Dodge City, KS, Newton, KS, and at the University of New Mexico, while working on a Masters degree in speech. She was director of the UMC Day School at Altus, OK. In Germany she was Religious Education Coordinator at both Rhein Main AB (USAF) and Landstuhl (USA).
As a second career, Ruth, with her husband David, became United Methodist local pastors in Shipman, IL and then in Marissa, IL. She felt this was her most important work and a privilege to share the gospel with others. All of her teaching of Bible Studies, speech classes, and being the leader of Vacation Bible School seemed to come together in her capacity of pastor.
Ruth and David were inseparable, and in later years enjoyed being a part of Shiloh Methodist Church in Shiloh, IL, where she served in leadership of the Stephen Ministry. Her love touched so many lives.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Shiloh United Methodist children’s sermon video equipment fund.
Funeral: Private Funeral services were held. Public Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
21 Comments To "Ruth Anderson"
#1 Comment By Nancy and Dennis Boerger On April 20, 2020 @ 6:53 pm
Kat and Mike, We are so sorry to hear ? of the passing of your mom. It is always such a difficult time and especially now with all the social restrictions. Our prayers are with you and your family.
#2 Comment By Carol Conner On April 20, 2020 @ 7:43 pm
Ruth’s sweet gracious spirit Was so evident to everyone who knew her. She touched many lives With her love For the Lord and others. I know she heard well done when she entered into his rest. My prayers go out to the family And all those who grieve her loss.
#3 Comment By Kay MacIntire On April 20, 2020 @ 9:13 pm
Ruth was a beautiful lady, inside and out. So sorry, David, Michael and Kathryn.
#4 Comment By Carole Bunn On April 20, 2020 @ 9:19 pm
RiP love you and miss you. David praying for you and your family. God Bless
#5 Comment By Jane Bonaldi On April 20, 2020 @ 9:31 pm
Please accept my deepest sympathy. A wonderful Christian leader. David and Ruth were always so gracious and accepting of me in their presence. Peace be with you and all the family. Jane
#6 Comment By Dave and Marge Odem On April 20, 2020 @ 11:25 pm
Dave and I will forever miss Ruth’s beautiful smile. She lived her Christian Faith every day and was a gracious and loving friend. We feel blessed to have known Ruth. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
#7 Comment By Anne Belline On April 21, 2020 @ 12:52 am
My deepest condolences on the passing of your mom. God decided it was time and needed her more. Her suffering has ended and now starts her eternity being free from sickness. May Gold hold you and your family in the palm of His hand at this most difficult time and find peace.
#8 Comment By Tai On April 21, 2020 @ 7:13 am
David, Bryan, Michael and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Ruth was one of the most caring, loving and wise women I have known. Her love for her family and friends was only surpassed by her love for Jesus Christ. She was an exemplary role model. I will miss her. Condolences and prayers are with you. Aloha.
#9 Comment By Hoa messing On April 21, 2020 @ 10:40 am
Hi Dave ,
Sorry to hear about Ruth ,she hold DEAR in my heart, I will miss her .
May you cherish her memories to help with your family and friends healing during this
Difficult time . Love Hoa .
#10 Comment By Eric Anderson On April 21, 2020 @ 5:29 pm
Sending heartfelt condolences and love to your families in this difficult time. We shared many special family memories and Ruth will be sorely missed.
#11 Comment By Justin and Amy Moody On April 23, 2020 @ 7:56 am
Praying for your healing, comfort, strength and peace during this painful time. Thinking of you with sympathy.
#12 Comment By Nicole Peters Berron On April 23, 2020 @ 11:21 am
David, Mike and Bryan,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your wife and mom.
She was a wonderful lady and always so sweet. She always had a smile and was always so welcoming.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
#13 Comment By Gene Wiggins NARFE Chap 1019 On April 23, 2020 @ 4:46 pm
Sorry For Your Loss. Please accept this electronic message in lieu of a Sympathy Card. Local National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) volunteers provide help in reporting the death of any federal civilian retiree or a retiree’s spouse to proper authorities. They will explain the process as needed and if requested, can report the death to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM 888-767-6738) for you. They can also assist in filling out claim forms for survivor benefits and life insurance You may call either of our Service Officers, Jim Haley at 618 795-5174 or Dean Hemmer at 618 233-3819. If unable to reach either, you may call Gene Wiggins at 618 566-7980.
#14 Comment By Lexsetty Mullins On April 23, 2020 @ 8:09 pm
Bryan and Heather, my heart goes out to you all as well as to your Dad and brother and his family. The couple of times I was around your Mom she was very sweet and so easy to talk to. I’ll never forget her. Prayers of comfort and strength for all of you.
#15 Comment By Susie Hawkins Faulds On April 25, 2020 @ 6:28 pm
Miss Ruth Dingwall was my Sophomore English teacher at Dodge City High School 1965 and I loved her as my teacher and she was very kind to me. My deepest condolences to your family.
#16 Comment By David Anderson On April 27, 2020 @ 3:17 pm
Thanks, Susie. You have a greatest memory. Appreciate your comments.
David Anderson (husband)
#17 Comment By Ken, Carol & Elda Scheibel On April 27, 2020 @ 8:58 am
We are so sorry to read of Ruth’s passing. She was such a sweet person. She was really a dedicated person who enjoyed the work she did. Elda thought very highly of her and you as well. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
#18 Comment By Bonnie Mason On April 27, 2020 @ 10:53 am
Ruth &I began our teaching careers together in New Haven, CT at Hillhouse High school in 1961. She came to CT from KS and I from IA. Realizing that we had similar backgrounds, our friendship grew. We shared apartments for 2 years until Ruth’s return to KS. Since then we have remained in contact via Christmas letters. My husband and I were pleased to hear of her continued devotion to teaching and the news of their children. We were also pleased to learn of Ruth’s and David’s pastoral endeavors. My husband is now deceased but I am glad to know that they both made a meaningful impact on many lives. Ruth’s kind participation will certainly be missed.
My Sympathy to David and family
#19 Comment By David Anderson On April 27, 2020 @ 3:21 pm
Thanks, Bonnie. Great memories! So glad to hear from you.
#20 Comment By Jim Werries On May 3, 2020 @ 8:42 pm
Dear David,
I am sorry for your loss of your wife Ruth. May you and your family find comfort knowing that you will see her again in heaven. I remember when you and Ruth were married and you and I worked together at Metropolitan Ambulance Service in Wichita and then later in Newton KS. in the 1960’s.
Sincerely,
#21 Comment By Alan Melnick On December 24, 2020 @ 1:08 am
Miss Dingwall was my 10th grade English teacher at Hillhouse High School in New Haven, CT. I believe it was her first year teaching. I remember her as a very kind and caring person. I was sorry to learn of her passing.