Ruthanna M. Lentz, 103, of Laramie, died Friday, December 3, 2021, at her home. She was born August 9, 1918, to William and Florence (Chilton) Noel in St. Joseph, Missouri.
She had a desire to become a teacher from a very early age. As a teenager, she played the saxophone in a dance band and the piano in church. She graduated from a state teacher’s college in Northwest Missouri in 1938. She taught in Forest City, Missouri, for five years.
She married Ernest Lentz on July 6, 1940. She was one of the first married teachers to teach in Northwest Missouri. They moved to Wyoming in 1941, where Ernest went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad. Ruthanna taught at the Tie Siding country school for three years, which she loved very much.
They bought a small ranch southwest of Laramie in 1951. They had three children, Blake, Blaine, and Jane. Ruthanna was very busy working on the ranch and raising their family. She was very active in PTA while her children were in elementary school.
She and Ernest moved to Cheyenne in 1973 after the railroad terminal moved from Laramie to Cheyenne. They enjoyed traveling and hunting in their retirement years. After Ernest’s death in 1990, Ruthanna became very active volunteering at the local nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Cheyenne. She gave devotionals, played music, and provided refreshments for the residents. She loved volunteering very dearly. She has always had a very deep Christian faith and loved to share it with people.
She lived through a lot of history in her 103 years of life. One of the most outstanding parts of history to her was World War II and the impact it had on people’s lives.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her infant son, Ernest Jr; son, Blake; grandson Donnie Smith; and sister, Jean Wisdom.
Ruthanna is survived by her children, Blaine “Smiley” Lentz (Naomi Nottage) of Laramie, and Jane Lentz-Gonzales (Billy) of Laramie; her grandchildren, Laddie Lentz (Cortni) and Micki Wypyszinski (Pete); numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and step grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and all the children she mothered over the years.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 13, 2021, at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home with a visitation starting an hour prior to service. Please call the funeral home to retrieve zoom information to attend virtually. Private family burial will be at the Lentz Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Laramie.
The family would like say a special thank you to the staff at Hospice of Laramie, especially Gulla, Jenna, Matt, Chris and the Hospice volunteers.
What a legacy. I know she'll be missed. 103 yes. Lot of history and battles. Now at rest. God bless family. Love you all.
Smiley, Jane and family members. Everytime I think of Aunt Ruthanna, it puts a smile on my face. What a wonderful legacy she has left behind. I know that you will miss her immensely, but she will always be with you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Barbara Lentz
2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. Ruth Anna certainly fulfilled this Scripture
She certainly did.
Jane and Smiley, my condolences to you. Your mom was an amazing lady. Bless your hearts and your family for taking such great care of her . Godspeed Ruth Ann.
Where do I even begin? My grandmother's house was where I got eat Hostess Twinkies, cup cakes, ding dongs, drink any flavor soda I wanted, and eat homemade milk shakes EVERY night. Grandma Ruthanna was a witty, friendly, sophisticated, and generous woman. She may have been petite in stature, but she was a Spiritual GIANT. Preaching the Gospel to me every time I saw her, without even using words, she was a true doer of God's Word. I remember tagging along with her, when I was a little girl, to her neighbor's house. This neighbor sold Avon and would give my grandmother those little lipstick samples. How I loved playing with those tiny lip colors! Enjoying the shades of red my grandmother chose to wear, I think of her every time I apply my own favorites. Perched next to her on the piano bench, while she would belt out her favorite hymns, I was taken to the Heavens and back. At her house I always felt like I was on the most amazing vacation. A vacation that included bubble baths, bed time stories, playing dress up with all the fancy hats, gloves, and jackets, and being loved unconditionally. Thank you grandma. I love you. I'll see you again one day, when I take the ULTIMATE vacation, in our Lord's timing. Until then, I'll absolutely cherish these memories.
Our most sincere condolences for the loss of your mother. May the memories that you have of her be that which gets you through your grieving. God bless
Smiley and family, sending sincere sympathies for the loss of your mother. Oh the changes she must have seen during her long life. Keep the memories and love alive in your heart and find comfort knowing she is at peace.
Smiley, Jane and family; our love and sympathy is extended to all of you. We always enjoyed our visits with her. She had a genuine love for people and her Lord. She always made us laugh with her dry humor and lots of stories about most anything. I don’t think she ever thought about getting old and that’s why she lived and worked hard until she slowed down ( well, a little) . We brought our grandchildren to Laramie and our granddaughter summed it up by saying, Ruthanna was the sweetest lady she had ever met. So true.. Shes making beautiful music in heaven now and we will always hold her close in our hearts. Love to all, Bob and Judy
Sorry for the loss of your sweet precious mother. I enjoyed her sense of humor, her hospitality and her warm friendship. I remembered different events when my family lived in the neighboring ranch many years ago. Sympathy and prayers for Jane and Smiley and their families in this difficult time.
We are so so sad to hear about Ruthanna's passing. She was quite the lady and led an amazing life. She was always so good to my mom, Pam, and to me and my kids. I know my mom has so many wonderful memories. We shared the same love of butterflies. I will think of her every time I see a butterfly. Rest in Peace Dear Lady, may you shine in the Heaven's forever. I wish we could be there for her services, we will be there in spirit. Our hearts are with you. love Pam, Tanya, Joseph, Justin and Victoria
So sorry to hear of her passing,such a wonderful lady. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Smiley and Jane, and all of her family
Sending prayers and hugs to you Smiley and Jane and all your family. What wonderful children you have been to your precious Mom. Such a special lady.
My condolences
Smiley, Jane, and families. Sending our Deepest Sympathy in your loss. How Blessed you all were to be so close with one another. Ken and Kathy Poledna
Rest in peace Ruthanna. You certainly lived a long life and lived it well. ❤️
Smiley, Jane and Families, Your mother's life was well lived. I remember Ruthanna when we were in grade school and my mother always spoke very well of her. She experienced amazing changes throughout her life ! "A life well lived" describes the woman I knew as a school kid. My thoughts and prayers to your.
Smiley, Jane and Families, Your mother led quite a life and saw so many changes occur in our world. She will be missed by all whose knew her, family and friends alike. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Terri Hull Jones