Ruth Elizabeth Ollendick, daughter of Frank and Bertha Marie (Nott) McKay, was born November 13, 1911 on the family farm northwest of Elgin, NE. She attended rural Sheldon School District through the tenth grade and worked on her family’s farm.

On August 22, 1934, she was married Joseph Henry Ollendick, Sr. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Elgin. They lived on a farm three and a half miles northwest of Elgin. Ruth spent years as a homemaker and helping her husband. She worked in several cafés and later owned the 2 X 4 café for six years. In 1957 the couple moved to Billings, MT where they operated a restaurant, tavern and motel until returning to the Elgin area in 1960. After returning, Ruth helped her husband with his trucking business until his death in September 1974.

In September of 1974, Joseph died and Ruth devoted her domestic help to Dave Totten and also worked at Parr’s Café. In 1983, she moved to Fullerton, NE, where she lived until and entering the Golden Living Center in Neligh, NE on March 12, 2009.

Ruth enjoyed cooking, baking and gardening, and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, St. Boniface Alter Society and Eastern Star.

She is survived by 4 sons: Joseph B. Ollendick Jr. and wife Barbara of Peoria, AZ; Robert W. Ollendick of Fullerton, NE; James A. Ollendick of Norfolk, NE; Jerry L. Ollendick and wife Belgica of Panama City, Panama; 1 daughter: Lois M. Behnk and husband Clarence of Neligh, NE; 35 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; 31 great-great grandchildren; 1 sister: Doris Schwab of Portland, OR; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband Joseph in 1974; 1 daughter: Josephine Gibson; 5 brothers: Lester McKay; Ted McKay; Earl McKay; Cecil McKay; Casey McKay; 1 sister: Blanche McKay; 1 grandson: Larry Ollendick; 1 great-grandson: Robert Walker.