Ruby Hock Thelander
Ruby Hock Thelander, born on February 5, 1930 in Lincoln, NE to Friedrich and Magdalena Hock, died on April 16, 2024. Ruby married Roy Donald Thelander in 1951. She worked as the personal secretary for L.J. Messer at L&M Enterprises. A charter member of South Gate United Methodist Church, Ruby’s life was one of faith, determination and action. A natural leader, she held leadership positions within Church Women United, United Methodist Women, and Women’s Division of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. She chaired the development of Ecumenical Legislative Briefing Day, which has continued for more than 40 years.
Survivors: Daughters: Amy (Burke) Hinds, of Minneapolis MN; Kay (Bill Parker) Penton, of Crete NE Grandchildren: Emily (Justin) Terrell, of Richfield MN; Ben (Natalie) Penton, Dustin Parker, Joel Parker of Lincoln NE; Lauren Parker of Crete NE; Mitchell Parker of Council Bluffs IA: Great-grandchildren: Booker Terrell, Ajani Terrell, Sören Penton; Sister: M. Joyce Riddle, of San Diego CA; Nieces and Nephews.
Preceded in death by: Spouse: Roy Thelander; Sisters and Brothers in Law: Amy (Ray) Frohn, Mary (Harold) Schwabauer Brothers: George Hock, Fred (Pauline) Hock, and Robert Riddle.
Memorial service: Saturday, May 4th at 11 a.m. at South Gate UMC, 3500 Pioneers Blvd, Lincoln, NE 68506. Luncheon to follow. Memorials to South Gate UMC or United Methodist Women.
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Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
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Condolences for Ruby Hock Thelander
I was blessed to know Ruby and work with her in Church Women United and Ecumenical Legislative Briefing Day.
As you grieve her death may you find comfort in memories of the impact that her life made on so many other lives.
Peace
Amy, I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was such a beautiful and kind person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Janet
Without ever meeting her face to face (but after many telephone conversations)…I came to have the highest regard for Ruby. I worked for Woods Charitable Fund and Ruby and the Methodist women’s group she represented were creating a program to help immigrant women and families (and children in our community) by creating a program to educate them about child care laws and practices in our area and provide a lending library of furniture, toys and supplies…so that they could start in home child care businesses. Ruby was steadfast in getting the program funded and off the ground. She did so much good for our community, for our children and for some of our newest citizens. She never dropped the ball. She had a great idea and worked hard to accomplish it. Ruby has always had my thanks, my regard…she was a sterling woman and a caring woman who took an idea and made it happen. I was fortunate to work with her!
I was blessed to work with Ruby on the UMC Commission on the Status and Role of Women. This Commission was concerned about the role of women in the church and justice for women and children. She was an inspiration to me and set a high example.