Ruth O. Alderfer Painter, 86, of Sabetha, Kansas died on Friday, November 11, 2022, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha.

Ruth was born on July 14, 1936, the daughter of Thomas and Luzena (Hodges) Ryland on the family farm just north of Greenleaf, Kansas. She was united in marriage to Kenneth Alderfer on October 4, 1959, and they were blessed with three sons, David, Kenneth, and John. Her husband, Kenneth, passed away on August 16, 1978. On January 15, 1982, Ruth was united in marriage to Walter G. Painter. They later divorced.

After graduating from Marysville High School in 1954, Ruth attended the Nancy Taylor School of Modeling and Clark- Business School both in Topeka, Kansas. When her sons were born, Ruth focused her attention on raising them. She was also a well-known day care provider to several families in the Sabetha area and was an original board member of the Sabetha Community Preschool. In addition, Ruth was a talented seamstress and she enjoyed crafts and gardening.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenneth; her son, David; her great-grandson, Mox; her two sisters, Arlene Frey and Dorothy Evans.

Ruth is survived by her two sons, Kenneth (Cindy) Alderfer and John Alderfer both of Sabetha; three granddaughters, Jessica (Chance) Steele of Sabetha, Ashley (Shawn) Lueger of Seneca, Kansas, and Tyanna (Andy) Kueser of Eudora, Kansas; her six great-grandchildren, Kendrick, Eva, Leona, Gaige, Conrad, and Bernadette; her brother, Donald Ryland of Hiawatha, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha. A visitation will be held Tuesday, November 22, 2022, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary. Inurnment will be held at the Sabetha Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rock Creek Church Restoration Project for the Albany Historical Society sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, Kansas 66534. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.