Nov 1, 1933 – October 15, 2026

Ruth Elaine (Walter) Tomes was born on November 1, 1933, on her family’s dairy farm near Osakis, Minnesota, the third of fourteen children born to Kenneth and Mildred Walter. She passed away peacefully at her apartment in Omaha, Nebraska, on October 15, 2026, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of love, learning, and a life richly lived.

Ruth devoted her life to family, education, and the pursuit of knowledge. She began her teaching career in rural South Dakota, where she met Ed Tomes, who would become her husband. Throughout their life together, Ruth raised their three children, cared for Ed through his medical challenges, and pursued her career and education with remarkable tenacity. Ruth had strong opinions and was never shy about sharing them, bringing conviction and spirited conversation to the people and pursuits she cared about. Her determination, compassion, and commitment to both her family and her profession were hallmarks of her life.

A lifelong learner with an inquisitive mind and a deep interest in how children grow and develop, Ruth earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and her Ph.D. in developmental child psychology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She shared her knowledge and passion for education as a professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Oklahoma State University, where she taught and supervised teachers and contributed to the field through her research and publications. She continued her scholarly work until her retirement as Professor Emeritus in 2007. Her influence extended beyond the classroom, touching the lives of students, teachers, and colleagues who benefited from her dedication and expertise.

Ruth’s life, however, was about much more than academic achievement. A fierce advocate and lover of the arts, Ruth was a singer, pianist, and ballroom dancer, served as a docent at the Philbrook Museum of Art and President of the Cotillion Dance Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and regularly attended and sponsored the theatre and symphony.

Curiosity and a sense of adventure were woven into Ruth’s life. She enjoyed educational travel, backpacking in the U.S. and Canada, quality literature, and lively book club discussions. She delighted in a good game of Scrabble, testing her knowledge with Jeopardy!, and discovering new ideas and recipes through cooking shows. Ruth embraced opportunities to learn, grow, and experience the world around her.

Ruth will be remembered for her dedication to her family, having nurtured family bonds through visits with her siblings, special trips with her grandchildren, and regular involvement in the lives of each and every family member. She brought that same enthusiasm and commitment to her social and professional organizations, becoming an active and valued member of each. Ruth didn’t simply belong to her communities; she became part of their fabric.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Ed; her parents, Kenneth and Mildred Walter; her sisters Dorothy, Grace, and Marjorie; and her brothers George, Dan, Les, and Roger.

She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her children, Rawley (Jan) Tomes, Patty (Dan) Elsasser, and Todd Tomes; her eight grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren; her sisters Leona Stratton and Eunice (Gary) Pederson; and her brothers Charles (Mary Ann), Ivan, Clint (Debbie), and Fred (Debbie), along with extended family and friends whose lives were made richer by knowing her.

Ruth’s long and meaningful life was a testament to the power of love, determination, community, and lifelong learning. Her legacy lives on in the generations of family she cherished, the educators she mentored, the scholarship she contributed, and the beauty she found in the world around her.