Ruth Christine McKenzie died June 29, 2017 at Nantucket House of SeniorCareHomes in Overland Park, Kansas after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

She was born in Plymouth, Kansas on December 26, 1934 and spent her childhood on the family farm there. After graduating from Emporia High School, she received an R.N. degree from the nursing school at Newman Memorial Hospital in Emporia, Kansas. She married H. Gale McKenzie in 1956 and moved with him when he was stationed with the US Army in Germany. They returned to the states in 1959 and lived in Topeka for a short time before moving to Shawnee; where they were longtime residents.

Ruth worked for Dr. Williams Evans in Prairie Village for many years, while raising two children and being an active mother in her children's lives. She served in various capacities of the PTA of her children's schools and served on the Area Council of PTA. Always active in her community, Ruth served on the Shawnee City Council, was a candidate for Mayor of Shawnee in 1986 and she served on the board of Johnson County Developmental Supports. Ruth worked as a Nurse Manager for the Johnson County Health Department, retiring in January 2002 after 18 years of service. Ruth was a nurse by profession and showed her caring heart to many family members who benefitted from her straight talk and compassion. She and Gale had a wide circle of good friends and enjoyed many years of golf at Lake Quivira Country Club.  They were long-time members of Shawnee United Methodist Church.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Hazel and Edward Palmer; her husband, H. Gale McKenzie and her brothers, Edward and H. Wayne Palmer. She is survived by her daughter, Pam Johnson, M.D of Leawood, and her son, Brian (Beth) McKenzie of Lake Quivira; grandchildren, Ryan Johnson, Ben Johnson, Kivian Johnson, Douglas Johnson and Brogan McKenzie and three great-granddaughters. She is also survived by her sister, Betty (Bob) Dobbe; brother, Les (Tanya) Palmer and two sisters-in-law, Barbara Palmer and Fern Palmer.   The family wants to thank the staff of Nantucket House for their compassionate care over the past four and a half years.  The dignity with which she was treated throughout her time there was very evident, and she loved to pitch in and help the caregivers and other residents.

Funeral Service and Visitation

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, July 14, 2017 at the Amos Family Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to services from 12 noon to 1 p.m.  Ruth will be laid to rest in Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens immediately following the services.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Ruth’s honor can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3846 W. 75th Street, Prairie Village, KS 66208; or to the Johnson County Developmental Supports, 10501 Lackman Road, Lenexa, KS 66219-1223