It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Ruth Jensby, who peacefully left us on March 26, 2024, at the age of 90.
Born on Feb. 25, 1934, in Omaha, Ruth lived life to the fullest. She shared stories of how she grew up living in the Russian Bottoms in Lincoln, and how little she had growing up. This provided her a foundation of knowing what hard work ethic was. She worked at the Wilber Care Center for 10 years and retired from Peterson's Vice Grip after working there for 23 years.
Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She married Alfred Cantrel on April 2, 1960, and she moved to Wilber, where she lived the rest of her life. Alfred died Jan. 29, 1984. She later married Laveryl “Copper” Jensby in March 1999 and he passed in 2016.
Ruth had a zest for life that was infectious. She enjoyed simple pleasures, like tending to her garden and yard, baking and sharing stories. She spent her middle years of life attending flea markets and sales and had a small antique shop in Wilber. Her home housed dolls, collectors' plates and trinkets of all kinds. Her grandkids often said it looked like a museum. Ruth loved to travel and visit with friends on her patio. She was an avid Elvis fan and shared her love of his music with her family, even her great grandkids.
Ruth will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and resilience that will continue to inspire us for generations to come. Though she may no longer be with us in body, her spirit will live on in our memories.
Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, John and Margaret Bauer; her sisters, Joyce Waggoner and Delores Bartek; and her brother, Robert Bauer. She is survived by her brother, Marvin and wife Sharon Bauer; her daughter Allison and husband Steve Barnas; six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
As we mourn the loss of Ruth Jensby, let us also celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the profound impact she had on all who knew her. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Ruth's wish was to have a graveside memorial with family only, while playing Elvis music and the family will follow her wishes.
