Ruth Krizan

Ruth Krizan, age 99, of West, passed away early Monday morning, June 16, 2014 at her home with her family by her side. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday at the West Brethren Church, with Rev. Curtis Holland officiating. Burial will follow at West Brethren Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Aderhold Funeral Home. Ruth was born May 25, 1915 on the family farm near Abbott, the daughter of Jon and Aloise (Hrabal) Mechell. She attended Liberty Grove School . On October 26, 1938 she was united in marriage to John R. Krizan in West. John preceded her in death on July 14, 1964. Ruth was a homemaker, farmer and rancher. She was a member of the West Brethren Church. Ruth was also a member of the SPJST Lodge No. 6 in Cottonwood, where she served as youth leader of the youth club for over twenty years. She was also a member of RVOS Lodge #46. After the untimely death of her husband in 1964, Ruth took over the operation of the farm and fraternal insurance agency of her husband. For over forty years of service with SPJST, Ruth was recognized and honored numerous times for her sales achievement and today is responsible for multiple generations of families being members of SPJST. She enjoyed canning, gardening, traveling, doing crafts and spending time with her grandchildren as they were growing up. Ruth is also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ed Mechell, John Mechell and Emil Mechell; and sisters, Julie Uptmore, Sophie Pavlas and Christine Pustejovsky. Survivors include a son, Johnnie R. Krizan of West; a daughter, Jeanette Beseda and husband Gary of West; grandchildren, Matthew Beseda and wife Melissa and Leslie Beseda and husband Stephen Nors; great grandchildren, Lucas Beseda and Avery Nors; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Joe Krizan, Jody Krizan, Fred Mechell, Jerry Mechell, Anton A. Pustejovsky and Danny Pavlas. Memorials may be made to the SPJST Czech Heritage Museum or the charity of your choice.