LINCOLN, Neb. — Ruth Helen Kerr Barthelman, 88, of Lincoln, Neb., and formerly of Oskaloosa, died Monday, Oct. 8, 2012, at Tabitha Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln.

She was born Tuesday, Dec. 4, 1923, in Tracy, the daughter of John Patrick and Mabel C. Heter Kerr. She grew up in the Bussey and Tracy area and attended school there. On Oct. 19, 1940, she was united in marriage to Howard Barthelman at Lancaster, Mo., and he died Dec. 15, 1980. Ruth and Howard had four children, Larry Howard, Barbara Catherine, Shirley Jean, and Karen Ruth. Ruth worked at Ideal Manufacturing Co. for 26 years and retired from there in 1978. She was a member of the Oskaloosa Free Methodist Church where she was an adult Sunday School teacher for many years. Ruth later became a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Oskaloosa. She also enjoyed being a part of the Ideal Manufacturing retired employees coffee group. In 1994, Ruth moved to Lincoln, Neb., to live with her son Larry and his family. She attended the Church of the Nazarene in Lincoln and helped with V.B.S. when she was able. Ruth enjoyed playing bingo and other activities with her friends in Lincoln. Ruth will always be remembered for her gift of being able to see the good in everyone and every situation. No one could leave her presence without feeling better. She had a very strong faith in her Lord Jesus Christ and lived her life as a shining light for others.

Her family includes her son: Larry (and Barbara) Barthelman, of Lincoln, Neb.; three daughters: Barbara (and Keith) Krumm, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Shirley Barthelman, of Lincoln, Neb., and Karen (and William) Ross, of La Vista, Neb.; 9 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a brother: Jim Kerr, of Oskaloosa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and three brothers: Bill, Jack and Bob Kerr.

Funeral services will be Friday, Oct. 12, at 11 a.m. at the Gateway Church of the Nazarene in Oskaloosa with the Rev. Dave Childers officiating. Burial will be in the Sixteen Cemetery near Thornburg. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Thursday after 2 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 p.m. Thursday evening to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Mahaska Health Partnership Hospice or Imagine the Possibilities.