Ruby M Schmidt

Ruby M. Schmidt, 89, of Junction City, died Monday, July 8, 2019 at Valley View Senior Life in Junction City. Ruby was born July 16, 1929 in Saco, Missouri, the daughter of Henry A. and Lola E. (Kemp) Ballew. She attended schools in Missouri, and graduated from Williamsville High School in the Class of 1946.

Ruby owned and operated a Day Care for many years, but worked in food service both at Geary Community Hospital and Sheridan Elementary School. After her retirement, she also worked in food service at the Geary County Senior Citizens Center.

She was a member of Church of Christ, but in later years attended First Christian Church in Junction City.

Ruby married Herman Diestelkamp on December 29, 1950 in St. Louis, Missouri. They were later divorced. She married Austin M. Schmidt on June 7, 1979 in Abilene. Austin died July 19, 1990.

Survivors include: 3 daughters, Elaine Johnson and her husband Ernest, Spring Hill, Tennessee, Helen Smart, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Barbara "Bobbi" Smith and her husband Donald, Floresville, Texas; 2 sons, Alex Diestelkamp and his wife Theresa, Talihana, Oklahoma, and Phil Diestelkamp and his wife Mary, Junction City; a sister, Retha Mae McManus and her husband Bob, Delta, Missouri; 17 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. Ruby was preceded in death by husband, Austin; 6 brothers; and a grandson, Stephen Paul Smith on November 2, 2018.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 15, 2019 at the Johnson Cremations-Funerals- & Receptions, with Pastor Ronnie Roberts presiding. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Junction City. The family will greet friends on Sunday, July 14, 2019, 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given in Ruby's name to the Donor's Choice.