H. Ruth Theisen Carraher

H. Ruth Theisen Carraher, 92, of Grand Island went to her Heavenly home on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at Tiffany Square. The daughter of Muriel (Werner) and J.B. Anderson, Ruth Anderson was born on October 16, 1928 in Tilden, NE. Her mother, Muriel, later met and married Donald Whitehorn, who loved and raised Ruth, then 3 years old, as his own daughter. The family then moved to Los Angeles where Ruth attended grade school, they returned to Tilden, NE where she graduated in 1946 from Tilden High School. Some years later, Ruth was blessed to become a big sister to brother Don Thomas and sister Judy. Summer months growing up on the farm, Ruth helped her dad milking cows and working in the fields driving his prized John Deere tractor. He affectionately nicknamed her John! Ruth moved to Lincoln, NE where she worked and met the love of her life Robert "Bob" Theisen on a blind date. They married September 10, 1950. and lived in Lincoln until he graduated from UNL School of Architecture. He joined the US Air Force (Korean War) in 1952, which took them to Pleasanton, CA where Ruth worked for the Atomic Energy Commission typing classified information. Her next great adventure was moving with Bob to Copenhagen, Denmark while he attended the Danish Royal Academy of Architecture. Ruth enjoyed traveling and experiencing many new places. Upon returning to the United States, Bob's first projects took them to many places designing hospitals in Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan. They finally returned to Nebraska in 1959 and lived in Osmond, Norfolk, and Columbus. In 1969 they made their permanent home in Grand Island. While raising three children, Ruth worked as a Welcome Wagon Lady for many years. Her job was to greet new families moving into Grand Island with gifts from local merchants. Bob always referred to her as Wanda Wiffle the Welcome Wagon Woman! She was a warm and loving mother and made the best fried chicken and gravy every Sunday! Ruth's life was forever changed in 1974 by the accident that took her son Tom's life at age 14. Then, in 1985, she lost her husband Bob Theisen to an unforgiving illness. Ruth was a strong woman and set out to begin again. She went back to school in 1986 and graduated from the Grand Island School of business. She took a job at Equifax and then finished her working career at Chief Automotive. She loved working and making new friends along the way. During these years, she met and married Dan Carraher in May of 1989. She enjoyed their life together and made their home in Grand Island. Marrying Dan came with the added bonus of three loving sisters-in-law and their husbands. Dan passed away in December of 2013. Ruth then decided to live with her daughters traveling back and forth between Grand Island and Maysville, MO. She was blessed with the opportunity to take residence at Riverside Lodge Independent Living for the last several years of her life. She loved her life there, making many special friends and great memories. Her last months were spent at Tiffany Square. She greatly appreciated all the excellent care she received from the staff at Riverside Lodge and Tiffany Square. Ruth enjoyed fishing, golfing with her friends, and her flower gardens she shared with Dan. Ruth was also an avid sports fan. Up until her last moments, thanks to a special friend, she was cheering on the KC Royals, KC Chiefs, and Husker football and volleyball. She was humble, not boastful, but intensely proud of her children, and grandchildren. She was blessed to know them well, share in their aspirations and enjoy the addition of great grandchildren in her life. She was not afraid to die. She was at peace and ready to join her Lord, her family and dear friends that passed before her. The Lord granted her final prayer to pass peacefully in her sleep. Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Lisa (Rex) Beason of Grand Island and Amy (Don) Cole of Maysville, MO; grandchildren Jenifer (Emmett) Holloway, Kacey (Quinn) Mendyk all of Waverly, NE., Ashley Cole of Denver CO and Kelsey Cole of Aurora, CO.; great grandchildren, Blake Holloway and Russell Mendyk; brother, Don (Jan) Whitehorn of Colorado Springs, CO; sister, Judy (Roger) Monson of Norfolk; sisters-in-law, Dolores Theisen of Norfolk, NE, Elizabeth Harrison, Diane Grubbs and Patricia Durbin all of Grand Island., and many nieces and nephews and their families. Preceded in death by her son Thomas, husbands Robert Theisen and Daniel Carraher, parents Muriel and Don Whitehorn, brothers-in-law Jack Theisen, Gary Duhatchek, and nephew Todd Whitehorn. Ruth's Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, October 15th,11:00 AM at All Faiths Funeral Home. Daniel Naranjo will officiate. The family will receive guests one hour prior to service. Livestreaming will be available at www.giallfaiths.com on Ruth’s obituary page. Burial will follow in the Grand Island Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Ruth Carraher Memorial Fund. Ruth requested these funds be distributed to Riverside Lodge Activities Fund.

H. Ruth Theisen Carraher

October 16, 1928 - August 22, 2021

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H. Ruth Theisen Carraher

October 16, 1928 - August 22, 2021

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

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About Us

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