Ruth Arck
July 2, 1928 ~ January 2, 2022
Ruth Arck, 93, formerly of Wichita, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2022 in Olathe, KS.
Ruth Dowling was born July 2, 1928 in Walnut, KS to Marie (Stenger) and Frank Dowling. She graduated from Walnut High School in 1946 and attended Mount Carmel Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburg, KS, graduating in 1949.
While in nursing school she met her future husband, Bill Arck, on a blind date. They were married on January 28, 1950, and were blessed to have 45 years together before Bill passed away in 1995. Some of her favorite memories were of the two of them camping, dancing, and traveling together with family and friends.
Ruth worked as a registered nurse in a variety of settings during her long career. After many years as a nurse at St. Joseph hospital she worked for Dr. Purvis and then for Dr. Whitney VinZant. She truly loved being a nurse. She was also a long-time member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, participating in Altar Society, Guild, and Harvest House. She especially enjoyed being a Eucharistic Minister.
Although in recent years she moved to the Kansas City area to be near her daughter, she always considered Wichita home.
Ruth is lovingly remembered by her children, Marilyn of Shawnee, Bill (Shirley) of Manhattan, Mike (Nancy) of Wichita, and Steve (Rose) of Phoenix, AZ; her grandchildren, Jessica (Tom Kleczewski) of Minneapolis, MN, and Matthew Arck of Chicago, IL; her great-grandchild, Liam Arck Kleczewski of Minneapolis, MN; her sister, Rita Wilkins of Topeka; her nephew, Brent (Diane) Wilkins of Topeka; niece, Jan Middendorf of Topeka.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 7:00 pm; Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 pm, both Thursday, January 6, 2022; Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am, Friday, January 7, 2022, all at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 2635 S. Pattie St., Wichita, KS 67216.
Memorial donations in Ruth’s name may be made to St. Margaret Mary School, 2635 S. Pattie St., Wichita, KS 67216.
Due to COVID, the family requests all attendees wear masks, and that anyone not fully vaccinated remember Ruth in the comfort of their own homes.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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We are sorry to hear of Ruth’# passing. It was our honor to know her for many years. She was kind, compassionate, always concerned about others, and very quietly on top of everything. We are sure she will be greatly missed. Michael & Mary Patton
I have great memories of Ruth (& Bill) they were wonderful neighbors when I was growing up. Good people!
Ruth was a dear friend of mine. She was such a beautiful person inside and out, and will always be remembered by me. I cannot attend the services, as my husband passed away January 1, and I still have family here. Please know that your family and Ruth are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Phyllis Fuhr
The Sherman family remembers our wonderful friend Ruth–a devoted wife, mother, nurse, and parishioner at St. Margaret Mary. She was such a kind, generous, and caring person, and we treasure the times that we spent with her over so many years. Our love and prayers are with all of the family at this time.