Ruby E. Wittman

Ruby E. Wittman, 97, Shawnee, KS went to her eternal home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 6, 2018.

Ruby was born September 9, 1920 in Westphalia, KS to Vincent & Mamie Kleinsorge.  She grew up on a farm with her parents and 5 siblings and began her education in a one-room schoolhouse.  Her family moved to a Burlington, KS farm when she was 9, which was also the start of the Great Depression.   She's told many stories of the fun times she had as a kid, and many interesting stories of what her family did to survive.

After graduating from Burlington High School in 1939, she worked in the AAA Office in Burlington for 2 years.  She then attended Midland Radio School in Kansas City, MO.  She was in the first class of girls to be trained as airline radio operators, replacing boys as they were drafted for World War II.  She was then employed by Braniff Airways as a radio telephone-telegraph operator and worked in the Chicago, Kansas City, Oklahoma City and Dallas stations until she married.  Ruby loved listening to music and enjoyed playing the piano.  In 1945 she purchased an accordion, took lessons and earned a teaching certificate.  Ruby could still play her accordion in her later years!

Ruby married Lawrence J. (Bud) Wittman of Montrose, MO on August 27, 1949.   They lived in a house trailer at 13th & Washington Blvd in Kansas City, KS next to the Bud's DX Service Station they owned and operated.  As their family grew, they purchased a home and became members of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Kansas City, KS.   They were blessed with five loving children; Diane, Les, Linda, and twins David and Donna.  Many times they did without to make sure they could provide for their children.  They moved to Shawnee in 1980, and Ruby has been a member of St Joseph Catholic Church since.

Ruby loved everything family.  Many summers when their kids were young she planned a sightseeing vacation to a different corner of the U.S. via the station wagon and pop-up camper (she had patience and nerves of steel)!  She attended all school activities and sporting events her kids were involved in.  As their children became adults she enjoyed many group events with all of her relatives, camping trips, BBQ's, sing-a-longs, game nights and reunions.  Her most memorable vacation was to Maui in May 2004 where she parasailed at the age of 83!  Ruby followed and watched KU Basketball, KC Royals, and KC Chiefs for many years and was your go-to person for stats!  She was always interested in hearing about you and your day.  She loved every holiday, especially Christmas.  She was strong on tradition and memories.

Ruby has been extremely blessed with a long and full life.   Her sweet caring ways, inner strength, faith, toughness and never-give-up attitude is a huge inspiration, which we can carry with us.  She will be greatly missed.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence June 3. 1990; two daughters, Diane McKenzie Dec 25, 2008 and Donna Robinson Dec 16, 2017; three brothers, Carl, Earl and Paul Kleinsorge; and two sisters, Inez Whiles and Edna Fern Schussler.  Survivors include her two sons, Les (Pat) Wittman of Austin, TX and David (Cindy) Wittman of Kansas City, MO; daughter Linda Wilson of Overland Park, KS; two son-in-laws, Walt McKenzie of Lenexa, KS and Chuck Robinson of Stillwell, KS; granddaughter Morgan Schultz of Bonner Springs, KS; grandson Clint Wilson of Shawnee, KS; two great-grandsons Collin and Riley Wilson of Shawnee, KS, and many loving and caring nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 19, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., both at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS.  Entombment will be in the Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum at 83rd & Quivira, Lenexa, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Great Lakes Caring Hospice, www.greatlakescaring.com.