Ruth Kathleen Beard, of North Platte, passed away October 21, 2013 at Linden Court. Ruth was born in Newell, Iowa to Emil and Johanna Jensen Christiansen. After graduating high school, Ruth studied for a year to become a nurse before deciding to take a different course. Instead of nursing she went to telegraph school to be a Morse code operator. She graduated from that school in 1943 and moved to Salt Lake City, UT, ending up in Milford, UT where she worked as a telegraph operator for the Union Pacific Railroad. She married Earl Beard after knowing him for only two weeks on August 27, 1948 in Pioche, NV. She is finally reunited with her soul mate in heaven. The couple lived in Milford, NV. In 1968 they transferred to North Platte, NE with the Union Pacific. The Beards were active in the North Platte Church of the Nazarene and made many friends in their local congregation. Through the years they watched many young people leave their Midwest community to attend Mid-America Nazarene College and their interest in the college grew. They established a trust to the college, the Ruth and Earl Beard Charitable Trust, which still benefits MANC students today. Ruth was also active in the UTU and Union Pacific Oldtimers. She enjoyed crafts and grew the most beautiful roses in the desert while living in Utah that people drove 100 miles to see! Out of a family of great cooks and bakers she was the best – much to each of her sister’s frustration! Most importantly she was a shining example of Christian womanhood to her family and friends and the best prayer warrior anyone could have on their side in a crisis.
Survivors include a sister, Berthe M. Fairhead of Rock Island, IL; nephews, Larry J. Craig of Grundy Center, IA, and David C. (Jacqueline) Craig of Waterloo, IA; a niece, Sonja K. (Larry) Melton of Moline, IL; 9 great-nephews and nieces; 17 great-great nephews and nieces; special friends, Todd and Sherry Marshall and their family of Tilton, Illinois, Douglas and Brenda Grant Peterson, Kathy Brown, Lisa Josten, Joe and John Sukraw and Lloyd Speicher all of North Platte.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Earl; and a sister, Marvyl Craig.
Memorials are suggested to the Ruth and Earl Beard Charitable Trust to Mid-America Nazarene University or to the Parkview Community Church of the Nazarene. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 10:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at the Parkview Community Church of the Nazarene with the Reverend Jack Atteberry officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.