Ruth Veith

Ruth Jane Veith, age 91, of Independence, Kansas died Thursday, December 3, 2009 at the Eagle Estates in Independence, Kansas. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 11, 2009 at the Epiphany Episcopal Church with the Reverend Gerald Eytcheson officiating. Burial will follow in the Spring Hill Cemetery under the direction of the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. The family has suggested memorials to the Church of the Epiphany or the Kansas Food Bank contributions may be left at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. Ruth was born March 28, 1918 in Liberty, Kansas to Mary Eugenia Hurd and Edwin Enoch OBrien, as the 4th of 5 children. Her father Edwin was a surveyor and farmer, the son of John OBrien and Anue Jane Broughton of Liberty, Kansas. Her mother, Eugenia was the daughter of Independences Sheriff, William Joseph Hurd and wife Margaret. Ruth Jane was a precocious child and began school a year early. She was an excellent student and eventually graduated High School Valedictorian in 1934. She volunteered her evenings and spare time at Memorial Hospital where she learned as much medical knowledge and skill as possible hoping to continue her interest in the field as a Pediatric Medical Doctor. In 1935 she married Fred Fritz Colburn, Jr. of Independence. They traveled to Europe in 1937 and a after a few months returned abruptly barely escaping the outbreak of World War II while visiting family members stationed in Austria. Once home safely in Independence, they enjoyed many good years and had two daughters, Lynn, born 1939 and Susan born 1942. Ruth Jane loved being with family and friends. She was a member of the Three Arts Club for 60 years. She was a Girl Scout Leader, a member of the Womens Investment Club, Independence Garden Club, Ladies Library and Art, and the Monday Music Club. She was a long time member of the Church of the Epiphany, where both she and her husband Fred Fritz took their children. She also sang in the choir there along with her daughters who she encouraged to be active in the Church and community. She was a long time member of St. Marthas Guild. Ruth Jane was a devoted public servant who selflessly gave her time to help enrich other peoples lives. For many years she drove for FISH in Independence. She was on 24 hour call for them and would not hesitate to take people in need to out-of-town hospitals or doctors offices. She also worked for the Kansas Food Bank. She possessed a quiet dignity, a lively intelligence, beautiful warm smile and the exuberance that has always been contributed to the Irish. Never hesitating to open her heart to others, she made many of our lives richer. She is loved and missed by many. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Colburn, Jr., who died suddenly in 1968, by her daughter, Susan, who died after a lengthy illness in 1987, by her brothers and sister, Paul, Dale and Ruby. Also, she is preceded in death by her second husband, J. Douglas Veith, in 2000. She will be dearly missed by her sister, Opal Ayers of Fredonia, Kansas, by her grandchildren, children of daughter Susan and her husband Thomas McGraw; Thomas Michael McGraw, his wife Suzanne and daughter Olivia of Jenks, Oklahoma; by John Douglas McGraw, his wife Rebecca of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi; by Patrick Colburn McGraw, his wife Kristin, son Connor, daughter Aidan of Warrenton, Virginia. Also by her grandchildren, children of daughter Lynn; James Christopher Lyons, his wife Susan, Son Ari, and daughter Grace; by Diana Yvonne Jeske, Jr., son James and daughter Chritina. She will be dearly missed by her daughter Lynn.