Velma “Jean” Ruppert, age 85, of McCook, died November 25, 2023. She was born on February 6, 1938, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Herman and Lela (Brant) Speth. She married Robert LeRoy Ruppert on December 26, 1957, in McCook, Nebraska. They were married for 63 years.
Jean grew up on a farm south of Palmyra and attended the University of Nebraska School of Agriculture (UNSA) in Curtis, Nebraska. She graduated from UNSA in 1956.
Jean worked along with her husband on the farm. She drove tractors, did gardening, raised chickens and loved trying new recipes. She made the BEST cinnamon rolls. She loved to attend her children and grandchildren’s activities.
Jean was a member of the Garden Prairie Methodist Church and was a member of the United Methodist Women.
She was survived by their children, Deanna (Lyle) Koester of Wellfleet, Lynne (Fred) Jones of Omaha, Steven Ruppert of Omaha, and Janice (Randy) Arent of Maywood; grandchildren: Garret Koester of Wellfleet, Staci (Zachary) Adam of Hyannis, Brooke (Tyler) Guthrie of Alma, Susan (Brandon) Gardels of Axtell, Evan Niemeyer of Omaha, Ethan Niemeyer of Council Bluffs, IA, Kelvin Arent of North Platte, Brandon Arent of Maywood; great-grandchildren: Braxton and Kyson Adam; Kobie, Stella, Gentry and Beckham Guthrie; and Scarlet, Silas and Laina Gardels; brother, Dean (Donna) Speth of Unadilla, sisters-in-law, Peggy Speth of New Haven, MO, Helen Magee of McCook, and Naomi Ruppert of McCook.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers, sisters, and in-laws: Robert and Bernice Speth, Glen and Emma Speth, Ralph and Betty Speth, John and Lois Speth, Richard Speth, Pansy Speth, Dale and Donna Ruppert, John and Lola Ruppert, Homer Ruppert, Ferris Magee, Anna and Cecil Rowley, Gary Trosper, Mary (Trosper) Zimbelman, and Marlin Zimbelman.
Velma passed away in Omaha on November 25, 2023. Funeral services will be held at the Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 2:00 PM with Pastor Dale Heimer officiating. Interment will be in the Garden Prairie Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel on Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM. Family will be at the funeral chapel to greet friends from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Friends may leave online condolences at herrmannfh.com. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.