Ruth Walla

Mary Ruth Walla, 92, of Gothenburg NE went to her heavenly home on October 16, 2022.

Ruth Walla was born on November 18, 1929 in Omaha, NE. At the age of three months old she and her twin sister were adopted and became the daughters of Lester and Imo (Mallery) Shadle. Ruth grew up in Hemingford graduating from Hemingford High School in 1949. Ruth married Don Walla on November 25, 1949 at the United Methodist Church in Hemingford, NE.

Ruth lived most of her early life in Hemingford, NE where she worked at the family bakery before meeting and marrying the love of her life and welcoming two children to complete their family. She lived briefly in Grand Island, NE before moving to Gothenburg, NE where she worked at Meyer’s Drug, Potter’s Pharmacy and Gallagher’s. Ruth and Don settled in Brady, NE where she began the most important role of her life babysitting many children. After the death of her husband she spent the rest of her days in Gothenburg, NE close to family and friends.

Ruth’s whole world was her family, friends and babysitting kids. She was an avid sports fan-she loved her HUSKERS and always cheered on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Ruth enjoyed baking and always made sure everyone was well fed and taken care of. In the summer you could find her in the garden as she loved flowers of all kinds. Ruth was loved by everyone who knew her-she was everyone’s grandma. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church.

Ruth is survived by her son Jon Todd Walla (Isabell) of Clovis, NM and their children Zach (Brittley) Walla, Keri (Taylor) Borden, Stephen Encinias, Matthew (Allison) Encinias; daughter Pam (J) Buddenberg of Gothenburg, NE and their children Jenni (Scott) Stevens, Bridget (Tom) Buddenberg and Jason (Emily) Buddenberg. Grandchildren Arian Ruth Stevens, Remi Don Stevens, Lilli Stevens, Madison & Tatum Encinias, Grayson Encinias, Levi Walla, Alex Buddenberg, Sabrina Buddenberg and Scarlett Buddenberg. Her twin sister Barb Beiter of Kearney, NE, several nieces and nephews and many great friends. Also survived by the many babysitting kids and their families who lovingly called her “Grandma Ruth.”

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Don Walla, her parents, her in-laws, her brothers-in-laws Dallas Walla and Bruce Beitler.

Visitation will be held at Blasé-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg NE; Thursday, October 20, 2022 1:00 - 7:00 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2022 at the United Methodist Church, Gothenburg, NE with Pastor Grace Gichuru officiating.

Interment to follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell NE.

The family would like to thank Dr. Aaron Salomon at Gothenburg Health for his gentle care over the years. And the staff of Hilltop Estates for their compassionate and loving care of Mom.

Memorials may be given to the Nebraska Children's Home or the United Methodist Church.