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Ruth Irene Vaca, 86

Ruth Irene Vaca was born December 23, 1928, to Albert and Katie Petersen in the rural Kennard area. During her childhood years, the family moved several times in the Rosalie, Tekamah and Craig areas. Ruthie was baptized at Rosalie and confirmed at Tekamah. During her high school years, the family moved from Herman to Blair, where she graduated from Blair High School in 1947.

After her graduation, she worked at Omaha Mutual. In 1948, at a Thanksgiving dance at the Music Box, she met the love of her life, Fred Vaca, and they married on March 11, 1949, and shared 63 years of life together filled with many friends, and lots of polka dances in various dancing places. Ruthie was chiefly a homemaker and mother to their four children and also cared for other children several years in their home. In her later years, she became more active in her church, attending Bible studies, the women's lunches, and folding church bulletins. She loved life and was always ready to go out for breakfast and lunch with friends and family, with a smile and humorous quip available.

Memorial services were held July 31 at St. Matthew's Church in Omaha. She is survived by her four children: Bruce (Kathy) of Illinois, Jeff (Debbie), Terry, and Susan Howell, all of Omaha. Also three siblings: Betty Larsen of Fremont, Mary Frahm of Hemingford, and Lloyd Petersen of Blair.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Albert and Katie Petersen; brother Harlan Petersen; sisters: Lors Petersen and Elaine Plummer; her husband, Fred; and grandson Timothy. She began her new life in the Lord on Wednesday, July 29, 2015, at the age of 86.

Omaha World Herald 30 July 2015

Vaca, Ruth I. Dec 23, 1928 - Jul 29, 2015 Preceded in death by husband Ferdinand; 1 brother; 2 sisters. Survived by children and spouses: Bruce and Kathy, Springfield, Ill., Jeff and Debbie, Omaha, Terry, Omaha, Susan Howell, Omaha. 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 1 great- great grandchild; sisters; Betty and Mary Alice; brother: Lloyd VISITATION: Friday 9-10 am St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 60th and Walnut with FUNERAL SERVICES at 10 am Private family inurnment: Bohemian National Cemetery. Memorials directed to the family. WESTLAWN HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME 5701 Center Street 402-556-2500 www.westlawnhillcrest.com

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~