Ruth Ann Petersen, 98, of Burwell passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024; at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell.

Ruth Ann was born October 23, 1925, to Henry and Margaret (Sievers) Jurgensen.  She grew up on her parent's farm near Burwell and attended school in Burwell; graduating in 1943.

Ruth Ann was employed at the Bank of Burwell during the War years. Following the War, she resumed a relationship with David Petersen, who had been in the Air Force.  The couple was married on April 10, 1946. To this union, five children were born, Sharon, Janice, Barbara, Alan, and Glen.

David and Ruth Ann farmed and ranched in Loup County where they lived for 42 years. Ruth Ann was an active partner in helping on the farm.  Her husband taught her the many ways to help during the busy times. She helped care for the livestock, crops, and yard upkeep all the while maintaining an orderly household.

Ruth Ann raised a big garden and was especially proud of and known for her strawberries; and had beautiful African Violets.  She baked the best cinnamon rolls! Ruth Ann loved the animals on the farm whether pets or the wild ducks that befriended her one summer.  She encouraged her daughters to become proficient in piano and sewing.

David and Ruth Ann retired and moved to Burwell in 1988. Ruth Ann believed in volunteerism and supported the organizations she belonged to. She was a lifelong member of the Pleasant View Club, and the First Congregational Church. She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary, a member of PEO Chapter CJ and helped at the Bloodmobile. She was also a 4-H leader for many years while her children were growing up. She enjoyed playing bridge and she loved to read.

In later years, Ruth Ann spent hours working on jigsaw puzzles and completing crossword puzzles. Family was extremely important to her. She was most proud and interested in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She had high expectations for each one. She was very loved and will be greatly missed by all.

She is survived by three children, her daughter, Janice White of Broken Bow; two sons, Alan (Susan) Petersen and Glen ( Judy)  Petersen all of Burwell ; 16 grandchildren, Scott (Jenn) Field, Eric (Lori) Field, Becky (Norm) Griffin, Brad (Andra) White, Cindy (Steve)  Kitt, Tina (Justin) Stuart, Jeff (Anh) Coolman, Wendy Coolman, Tim (Emily) Coolman, Andra (Chester)Smith, Mark (Erika) Petersen, Trent (Haeley) Petersen, Alex (Bailey) Petersen, Kurt Petersen, Brian (Sarah) Petersen, Jill (Clayton) Hensley; 42 great-grandchildren; and many extended family and friends.

Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David; two daughters and three sons-in-law, Sharon and Don Field, Barbara and Jim Coolman, and Rolland White; a granddaughter-in-law, Jessica Petersen; and four brothers, Harley, Lauren, Ivan and Richard Jurgensen.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024; at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Burwell. Pastor Alan Petersen will officiate. Burial will be in the Cottonwood Cemetery at Burwell. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Still Waters Funeral Parlor.

Memorials are suggested to the Congregational United Church of Christ or the Burwell Veterans Memorial Park.

Still Waters Funeral Parlor, 212 Grand Avenue, Burwell, Nebraska, 308-346-4551