Ruth Maxine McGregor, 89, of North Platte, NE passed away Sunday, January 27, 2013, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte.
Ruth was born August 7, 1923, at her grandparents’ home north of Dickens, NE to C. Ernest and Pearl Shipler James. She attended a one room country school through eighth grade except for one year when she attended Dickens School because she was the only student in District #131. As a child, Ruth was able to participate in the Lincoln County Spelling Bee. She graduated from Dickens High School in 1941 in a class of four students.
On February 17, 1943, Ruth married Ervin Robert “Mac” McGregor of Hayes County, NE at North Platte. While Ervin served overseas during WWII, Ruth stayed in her parents’ home. In 1945, Ervin returned from the war and they began their life together as a married couple. They farmed in Hayes County until moving to North Platte in 1954.
Ruth was a member of the North Platte Berean Church and was a stay at home Mom until her daughters were older. She then went to work for W.T. Grants and later Ben Franklin. She enjoyed crocheting, embroidering tea towels and quilting. Her daughters and granddaughters all received these special handmade gifts from her. Ruth and Ervin also enjoyed taking their granddaughters on camping and fishing trips to the lake.
Ruth was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She will be missed by all.
Survivors include her two daughters, Sandra (Loren) Shimmin and Marlene Gale, all of North Platte; five grandchildren, Jennifer Hehnke, of Sidney, NE, Pearl Gale and Sarah (John) Winchell, all of North Platte, Tara (Toby) Norman, of Grove City, PA and Amanda (John) Howell, of Kearney, NE; 13 great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Johnny, Kensley, Conner, Caden, Shay, Jorey, Erik, Brandi, Aiden, Avery, Lagarius and Liam; several nieces, nephews and other family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ervin “Mac” in 2001; her parents, Ernest and Pearl James; and a sister, Doris Hamer, in 1999.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, January 31, 2013, at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore with Pastor Teters of the North Platte Berean Church officiating. Burial will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to Maranatha Bible Camp. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.