Ruth Megli

Edith Ruth Pritchett Megli, 89, of Newton, went home to be with her Lord and Savior late Saturday night January 14, 2017.  Ruth was born on September 8, 1927 to Albert E. and Katie (Marriott) Pritchett.

Ruth grew up on a farm south of Burrton, KS.  When she was10 years of age, her family moved to Mount Hope, KS where she was graduated from High School.  Ruth obtained her nursing degree from Hertzler Hospital School of Nursing, in Halstead, KS. She served as a Registered Nurse for over 50 years before retiring. She was employed by Halstead Hospital, Axtell Hospital, and Newton Medical Center. She was also a member of the Halstead Hospital Nurses Alumni.

Ruth was married to Vernon Megli and they made their home in Newton in 1950.  Ruth and Vernon had 5 sons and reared Ruth’s sister Mary from the age of 4 after her parents died.

Ruth loved preparing meals and delicious desserts for family and friends. She was an avid gardener and shared her produce and flowers with others.  She also enjoyed cooking, baking, canning, staying up with current events, painting, traveling, and working on the family genealogy. She and Vernon built 4 houses in Newton and remodeled several others.

Ruth’s faith and relationship with Christ was a vital part of her life. She was an active member of First Baptist Church for over 60 years.  She taught youth and adult Sunday school classes; was a member of the Women’s Circle; served on several church boards; and was active on a committee that prepared meals for special functions.

She was also past President of the Sunset School PTA and was involved in Boy Scouts. She enjoyed singing in the Newton Senior Choir.  She loved her family and always welcomed an opportunity to visit and spend time with family and friends.

Ruth and Vernon enjoyed traveling. They traveled most of the United States, to Canada, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 1995, two brothers, Harold Pritchett and Reverend Robert Pritchett, and her sister, Eva May Jantz.

Survivors include her sons, Ronald Megli and wife Susan of Olathe, KS; Roger Megli and wife Sandi of Wichita, KS; Steve and wife Becky of Enid, OK; Terry and wife Becki Megli of Shawnee, KS; and Tracy Megli of Tulsa, Oklahoma; grandchildren,  Megan and Andrew Wilson of Beaverton, OR; Allison and Siji Adewunmi of Olathe, KS; David and Liz Megli of Kansas City, MO; Marketa Clanton of Olathe, KS; Kristy and Dale Morrow of Troy, OH; Kathy and Josh Tatum; Paul Megli of Philadelphia, PA; Joshua Megli, of Tyler, TX; Jonathan Megli, of Oklahoma City, OK; Ruth and Travis Cochrum of Oklahoma City, OK;  Anna Megli of Lubbock, TX; Luke and Mathew Megli of Shawnee, KS; Rachael Megli and Aaron Megli both of OK; great grandchildren, Laedyn, Mikaela, Josiah and Ethan; and sister, Mary Barker of Topeka, KS.

Services to celebrate her life will be at the Newton First Baptist Church at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2017 with family remembering her life. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, KS. Visitation will be at Petersen Funeral Home from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, and the family will receive friends from 6:30-8 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Newton, Focus on the Family, or the Kansas Learning Center for Health in care of Petersen Funeral Home

Special thanks to Newton Presbyterian Manor, St. Francis NICU, Interim Hospice, and Caring Hearts Senior Living in Wichita.