Ruth Kathleen Wenger 95, of Whiting, Kansas passed away peacefully on November 17, 2021 at home surrounded by her family.

Ruth was born on April 23, 1926 in Everest, Kansas the daughter of Robert and Alexa (Brull) Irsik and was the oldest of two children.

She graduated from Everest High School in 1944 and was then employed at her uncle’s grocery store, Rosenhoover Mercantile, in Everest, Kansas.

Ruth married the love of her life, Chester Wenger, on February 4, 1948 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Everest, Kansas. Ruth and Chester made their home near Whiting, Kansas where Ruth was a homemaker and helped on the farm. They were members of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Mercier, Kansas then became members of St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Horton, Kansas after St. Peter’s closed.

Ruth was a member of the Altar Society at St. Peter’s, St. Leo’s Altar Society, Bingo Committee, and helped with the Religious Education program. Ruth’s interests included cooking, playing pitch, dancing, gardening, and visiting with family and friends.

She is survived by her loving husband of 73 years, Chester Wenger of the home.  Children Katherine (John) Scott of Horton, Kansas, Frances (Marty) Ramirez of Lebo, Kansas, David (Jill) Wenger of Atchison, Kansas, and Charla (Scott) Bailey of Seguin, Texas. She is also survived by ten grandchildren John (Tricia) Scott of Shawnee, Kansas, Alex Scott of DeSoto, Kansas, Paul (Starla) Scott of Tonganoxie, Kansas, John (Carly) Russell of Windsor, Wisconsin, Nicole (Jonathan Wilke) Ramirez of Lawrence, Kansas, Jesse (Jessey) Ramirez of Bayfield, Colorado, Sarah (Bill) Bourne of Kansas City, Missouri, Melissa (Keith) Van Horn of Lawrence, Kansas, Shelly (Levi) Valentine of Olathe, Kansas, and Miles (Lindsey) Wenger of Marquette, Michigan. Ruth is also survived by 17 great grandchildren Connor, Hallie, Alyssa, Ella, James, Zane, Soren, Arianna, Veronica, Marcus, Alexa, Avery, Claire, Lawson, Benjamin, Owen, and Carson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, William (Bill) Irsik, and great granddaughter, Zaira Josephine Bourne.

Friends and family may pay their respects on Tuesday, November 23 at Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas. A parish rosary will be recited on Wednesday, November 24 at 9:45am at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Horton, Kansas. Following, the family will greet friends from 10:00-10:30am.  A mass of Christian burial will then be at 10:30am with Father Dan Gardner officiating. Interment will follow at the St. Leo’s Catholic cemetery in Horton, Kansas. Memorials may be made to the Holton Community Hospital Home Health & Hospice. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com.