Ruta P. Baesler, 91

Preceded in death by parents, Jonas and Amalija Lileikis, brothers and sister and son, Richard Baesler.

Survived by daughter, Sylvia Hanson (Michael Waisanen) and daughter-in-law Denise Baesler, grandchildren Ryan Hanson, Grant (Paige) Hanson, Amber (Billy) Robinson, Joshua (Mary) Baesler and Nicholas Baesler.

Ruta was born in Lithuania. The family fled Lithuania and moved to Germany during the World War II era. Their family and many others lived in barracks for displaced persons in Schleswig-Holstein.

The family emigrated to the United States and moved to Omaha because they knew other Lithuanian families in the city.

Ruta worked several different jobs. She took time off from working to raise her children. Once she went back to work her favorite job was being a physical therapy assistant. She also worked as a cook/housekeeper for priests. That was her last job before she retired.

Ruta enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, traveling and spending time with family. She loved her grandchildren! Ruta's yard was filled with flowers. Ruta is the national flower of Lithuania. Could her name have helped contribute to her passion for gardening and her green thumb?

Since her physical health had declined the past few years, instead of living at home, it was necessary to move her to a nursing facility (Brookestone Meadows). There she thoroughly enjoyed many activities, including Bingo, creative cooking, musical performances and singing hymns at Heaven Heart and Home. Ruta and another Lithuanian resident at Brookestone helped decorate the Lithuanian Christmas tree that was on display at the Durham Museum last Christmas.

Although she will be missed here, she was ready to go home and wait for the coming of Jesus.