Ruth G. Lorence Howell, 100

A celebration of life for family and friends is planned for Friday, March 21, 2025, at Korisko Larkin & Staskiewicz Funeral Home. Visitation from 10-11:30 AM. Funeral at 11:30 AM.

Ruth G. Krecek Lorence Howell, age 100, passed away on March 8, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska. Ruth was born at home to Arthur and Josephine (Chapek) Krecek on George Washington’s birthday, February 22, 1925. Thus, her parents gave her the middle name of Georgia. Ruth had an older brother, James Krecek, and a younger sister, Doris Krecek. Ruth graduated with honors from Central High School in 1942. At that time, it was not common that girls went to university, but she did go to comptometer school and started work at the Union Pacific. As a youth, Ruth was active in SOKOL, a Czech organization that focuses on developing sound minds and bodies. They learned gymnastics, played tennis, and would play volleyball on Sundays. Before Ruth died, she was the oldest living member of SOKOL in Omaha.

In 1946, Ruth got reacquainted with her mother’s best friend’s son, Raymond Lorence. They were barely aware of each other as children but noticed each other at a dance. They continued to love dancing together their whole lives – gliding gracefully and beautifully across the dance floor. They were married May 24,1947. Ruth and Ray were blessed with four children: Gary, Donald, Douglas, and Susan. Once they started to have a family, Ruth became a housewife and mom – a role she excelled at. She loved to cook, bake, sew, and host family gatherings. When her kids came home from school, often the countertops would be full of homemade cookies, donuts, or pies. Ruth was active in her children’s school activities and in church functions. Ruth and Ray camped and travelled with their young family, enjoying water sports like boating and water skiing.

After losing her first husband to cancer, Ruth married again to Raymond Howell in 1989. Before his death in 1994, they spent a large part of summers fishing in Minnesota.

Ruth was loved by all who met her. She was a compassionate and loving person who was genuinely interested in people -- remembering surprising details about their lives. To her last day, she was always so appreciative of anything anyone did for her. She was forever delighted and interested in what was happening around her – especially if it was related to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ruth was a lifelong member of the church - the Presbyterian and then the United Methodist churches. Her deep faith in GOD would sustain her for her whole life.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Josephine Krecek, her husbands Raymond Lorence and Raymond Howell, her sister Doris Krecek and brother James Krecek, and her son Gary Lorence.

Ruth is survived by her children - daughter-in-law Janet Lorence, sons Don (Debra) Lorence, Doug Lorence, Steve Chaney, and daughter Susan Lorence (Ray Newton). Grandchildren Raymond Shane (Stacie) Lorence, Brandi Jo Weaver (Justin Haptonstall), Sarah (Nolan) Barnes, Marc (Lauren) Lorence, Laura Newton (David Bunker). Great grandchildren Logan and Lexi Lorence, Brynn and Owen Barnes, and Layla and Landen Lorence along with many nieces and nephews.

In memory of Ruth, in lieu of flowers, the family wishes contributions be made to the Stephen Center in Omaha, Nebraska or to St. James United Methodist Church in Bellevue.