Ruth J Yentes

Ruth J. Yentes, 100, of Lincoln, Nebraska, formerly of Eddyville, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 14, 2025. 

She was born on November 13, 1924, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Sofus (Nimtofte, Denmark) and Jennie (Svennson) Sorensen (Asarum, Sweden). Jennie died eight days later, leaving Sofus with an infant, and two toddlers. He did a wonderful job raising three children, providing for them so well, they didn't realize a depression was going on!

She graduated from Lexington High School in 1943 and attended Hillman School of Nursing (now University of Alabama at Birmingham). Cletus Yentes, a young, handsome Marine stole her heart. Because he was soon to ship out to the Pacific, they chose to get married in July of 1944, and Mom was not able to complete her education. 

That began a life of love and sacrifice for her family. After the war, they bought a farm on Mirage Flats, near Hay Springs, Nebraska, and in 1954, bought a farm near Eddyville, Nebraska where they raised their family of three.

She was active in the United Methodist Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, and Home Extension Club (which later became the "Birthday" Club!). Although a "city" girl, Ruth loved and was loyal to Eddyville. One of the hardest things she had to do in her life was to leave her beloved community when she was no longer able to live alone.

She loved writing letters and wrote hundreds of cards and notes annually, to encourage people from all walks of life. She provided pies, cookies, or sandwiches for any person or function that needed them. She was famous in her family for her pecan pie! No one left her house hungry or without a care package.

She was adored by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for her unconditional love, and cozy hospitality. Her love for Jesus was an inspiration to us all.

Ruth is survived by her son Jeff (wife Theresa) Yentes of Tempe, Arizona, daughter Becky (husband Lynn) Young of Lincoln, son Kelly (wife Brandy, sons Isaac Watson, Ian Hall) Yentes of Kearney; grandchildren Michelene (Ken) Witthuhn, Justin (Aimee) Yentes, Lindsey (Josh) Stamm, Josey (Zach) Blessin, Jesse (Nate) Nickel; great-grandchildren, Clay, Crew, Callan, Paisley, Jewel, Coen, Case, Winnie Witthuhn, Kloe, Ivy, Hazel Yentes, Lila, Jack Stamm, Waylon, Georgia, Crosby Blessin, and Tobiassen Nickel; sisters-in-law, Lyla Girth of Shawnee, Kansas, and Lois Koenig of Sun Lakes, Arizona; as well as many nieces and nephews that were dear to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Cletus Yentes, sister Alice (Bob) Drustrup, brother Carl (Virginia) Sorensen, sister Maria Elizabeth (Martin) Johansson (Sweden), brothers-in-law, Clifford (Ruth) Yentes, Darrell (Joan) Yentes, William Girth, and James Koenig; niece, Debbie Drustrup; and nephew, Jim Koenig.

Services will be held on July 7, 2025, at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington, time pending.

Inurnment will be held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com