McCOOK, Nebraska -- Ruth E. Leopold, 91, passed away Friday, June 17, 2011, at Cedar Living Center in Oberlin, Kansas.

Ruth was born May 26, 1920, to parents, Glenn Albert and Alta (Palmer) Murray in Arriba, Colorado. She was one of five children. Ruth grew up in Eastern Colorado, graduating from Arriba High School in 1936. She then went on to attend college, graduating with an associate's degree in business administration.

Ruth married Herbert Leopold on June 28, 1940, in McCook. To this union, two sons were born, Stephen and Phillip. The family moved to the Gering and Scottsbluff, Nebraska area, and later farmed in the Lebanon, Nebraska area before making their home in McCook in June 1973.

Over the years, Ruth was business manager of the Beaver Valley School and McCook Public Schools. Ruth received the National Business Educator's Distinguished Service Award in 1974, honoring her outstanding service and dedication to the school districts in which she served. Following her retirement from McCook Public Schools, Ruth became co-owner of Top Office Products in McCook. In 2005, she retired at the age of 85.

Ruth was a past president of the Business Professional Women and also a past worthy matron of Eastern Star in Wilsonville, Nebraska before transferring her membership to McCook. She also served on many community and charitable organization boards throughout the years.

Ruth loved square dancing, her family and life itself. She enjoyed hosting and attending social functions, reading, cooking and needle work.

Ruth was preceded in death by husband, Herbert; parents, Glenn and Alta; sister, Laura Lee Baker; and brother, Glenn Murray.

She is survived by her two sons, Stephen (Vonda) Leopold of McCook and Phillip (Ginger) Leopold of Barrington, Illinois; two sisters, Jeannie Mullen of West Virginia and Mary Moses of New York; as well as seven grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Visitation is today from 2-8 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with family present to greet friends from 6-8 p.m.

Funeral services are Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook with Rev. Lance Clay officiating. Burial will follow the funeral service in Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the McCook Community Foundation, P.O. Box 36, McCook, NE 69001.

Please visit the funeral home website at www.carpenterbrealnd.com to sign the online guestbook or leave your message of condolences to the family.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements