Ruth “Ruthie” Zimmerman’s Life Journey

August 21, 1937 – April 25, 2026 

Ruth Zimmerman’s life was guided by her deep love of family, friends, and faith. Anyone who experienced her hospitality, felt her support, received a beautiful card or caught one of her quick-witted jokes was lucky. Ruth was over the moon about LeRoy, her husband of 65 years, and her grandchildren. She also loved dogs and children - her own and everyone else’s. Always whip-smart, Ruth delighted in planning every detail of family camping trips across the U.S. every summer and post-retirement trips. In a nod to her Norwegian ancestry, she could often be heard exclaiming “uff da”.

While shying away from attention herself, Ruth wanted others to feel seen. She enthusiastically asked about your life and followed up with questions the next time you met. Her children often recount how they distributed their mother’s annual home-baked holiday treats to all the elementary school staff, from custodians to teachers to secretaries to cooks. Ruth’s superpowers of inclusion and compassion live on.

Ruth was born in Ellensburg, WA, where her father was a Lutheran pastor. She spent several elementary school years in North Dakota before she and her parents moved to Erickson, Manitoba. Her time in Canada brought her happiest childhood memories, including an igloo she made with her father, piano lessons, tomato sandwiches, and learning at the schoolhouse with a fireplace.

Tragically, her beloved father died of a massive heart attack when she was eleven years old. Ruth often said his death changed her personality along with the course of her life. She and her mother moved to Minot, ND, and later Everett, WA, to live in nursing homes where her mother worked as a cook. Ruth attended Oak Grove Lutheran High School in Fargo, ND.

Ruth became a registered nurse in pediatrics after graduating from the Deaconess School of Nursing. She met her future husband at the wedding of the Mettlers – her nursing school friend and LeRoy’s Army buddy. Following their marriage on July 8, 1961, Ruth continued to work as a nurse to support LeRoy during college in Moorhead, MN.

After their daughter Joy’s birth in 1964, they moved to St. Louis, MO, for LeRoy to attend graduate school in social work at Washington University. To their delight, daughter Jana and son Joel joined their family in St. Louis. Ruth enjoyed her work as a full-time homemaker. A lifelong lover of music, Ruth made sure her children received music lessons despite a limited

budget. She became the primary caregiver for her mother while she lived with their family for eight years with advanced Parkinson’s disease. In yet another act of love, Ruth returned to part-time nursing to help contribute to her children’s college tuition.

Faith was always important to Ruth. She loved the Mt. Calvary and Resurrection congregations where the Lights, Hughes, and Solomon Belay became chosen family. Ruth accompanied the children’s choir on piano and volunteered as a youth group leader extraordinaire. She loved the Holy Spirit. Grandson Josh wrote in a paper about her: “I realize the Holy Spirit is like my Grandma Z in so many ways: a quiet, omnipresent force for peace always working in the background even if you can’t see it.”

Ruth was active in Action Against Apathy, Parenting for Peace and Justice, Interracial Living, and the Open Door Society. Her many volunteer activities included tutoring children in reading and adults in English. Two of Ruth’s favorite memories were attending former President Jimmy Carter’s Bible study class in Plains, GA, and meeting President Obama on the campaign trail.

After 38 years on Alamo Avenue, Ruth and LeRoy moved to Kansas City in 2002. They continued to be active volunteers in their new city and joined Atonement Lutheran Church. When Atonement recently became a Reconciling in Christ congregation following years of advocacy by Ruth, LeRoy and others, they were especially proud that their church welcomes everyone. Ruth loved her seven years at Kingswood Senior Living Center where she made many lasting friendships. She bravely endured health issues and treatments. Ruth’s family is grateful for the wonderful staff at Saint Luke’s Hospice House, her loving friends, family, and medical providers, and the caring pastors and members of Atonement Lutheran Church.

Ruth leaves to cherish her memories: husband LeRoy Zimmerman; daughter Joy Zimmerman & wife Linda Dill and their children Ryan Dugan, Connor Dugan, Sam Wilkinson, and Joe & Mary Wilkinson and great grandchildren Casey & Luke; daughter Jana Zimmerman & husband Pete Behrens and their children Josh Behrens & wife Margaret Dauer, and Matt Behrens; sister-in-law Ginny Zimmerman; brother-in-law Will Zimmerman; many beloved nieces and nephews, and countless friends. She is preceded in death by son Joel Zimmerman, parents Olive and Rudolph Hansen; brothers Rudy and Warren Hansen, and numerous sisters- and brothers-in-law and friends.

A Celebration of Ruth Zimmerman’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Atonement Lutheran Church, 9948 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, Kansas at 11:00 am. A light lunch, including her beloved chocolate, will follow. The service will be livestreamed and recorded on Atonement’s Youtube channel.

In lieu of flowers, you may honor Ruth by sending a memorial gift to Atonement Lutheran Church:

●         Online: - “Please Specify”: Ruth Zimmerman Memorial Fund

●         Mail: Checks payable to Atonement Lutheran Church, 9948 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66212.    Please note “Ruth Zimmerman Memorial Fund”.