She was born Ruth Laurelda Peck, July 12, 1916, in Rosette Community near Sylvan Grove, KS. She was a cosmetologist and instructor at Stewart Beauty Academy in Salina. She was owner of Peck Beauty School in Emporia. She attended Emporia State Univ. and College of Emporia. She was an artist, and her collection of works was shown at art shows in Topeka. She was an organist and she loved to travel. After World War II, a special interest for Ruth was planning annual reunions for her husband’s “Company B” Army unit.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Earl; her parents, Clyde and Maude Peck; four sisters, Helen Vonade, Enid Peck, Wilda Dillet and Lila Hanzlicek; and two brothers, Edwin Peck and Leslie Earl Peck.

Survivors are a brother, Wendell Peck and wife Lorna, White Bear Lake, MN; two sisters, Ivis Meitler, Salina, and Vera Meyer, Sylvan Grove; a brother-in-law, Courtney Hanzlicek, Salina; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2008, at the Presbyterian Manor Chapel, 2601 East Crawford, Salina, with the Rev. Robert Schaedel and the Rev. Charles Adams officiating.

Inurnment will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Topeka, KS.

Memorials are suggested to Sylvan High School Scholarship Fund.

Ryan Mortuary, Salina, is in charge of arrangements.