Ruth Ann Kittelson

Ruth Ann Kittelson, 79, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas passed peacefully May 7, 2022. Born in Kansas City, Missouri to Woodson and Twila Bennett, Ruth dedicated her life to serving the Lord and loving her family.

Ruth Ann met her husband, Wayne, in the summer of 1980. Wayne had recently been told by work colleagues he needed to venture out. He needed to be more social. Wayne would have to leave his house if he ever intended on meeting anyone. No one was going to come knocking on his door, they said. Ruth Ann, employed by the census bureau, knocked on Wayne’s door. They were married seven months later.

Ruth Ann and Wayne shared a love for the outdoors. She spent many morning hours tending her flowers and would make applesauce and pickles from the garden Wayne grew. Travelling adventures included hiking leafy trails in the Rocky Mountains, exploring the woods near their cabin in Minnesota, trips to Europe and many states in the U.S.

Active in her church and community, Ruth Ann was encouraged to run for state senator during her tenure as a Metro Right to Life board member in Omaha, Nebraska. She started and led the women ministry, helped start a senior citizens group at Westside Church in Omaha, Nebraska, served as a Southern Baptist Missionary for more than 17 years, led women’s retreats and coordinated Bible study groups.

Ruth Ann will be missed by her best adventure and greatest love, her family. Remembering Ruth Ann is her devoted husband, Wayne; her children Lora (Scott) Mesker and Jon (Pam) Pieters; grandchildren Josh (Missy) Mesker, Nick Mesker, Lauren (Marshall) Dickey, Jeremiah Mesker, Ciera Pieters, Caitlin Pieters, and Lindsey Pieters; great grandchildren Samuel Mesker, Naomi Mesker, Haven Mesker, Ben Mesker, Gwyneth Dickey, and Wilde Dickey; siblings Susan (Andrew) Pettyjohn and Faye (Ron) Vandendale; and mother, Twila Bennett.

She was preceded in death by her father, Woodson Bennett, Jr.

A Visitation will be held 9 am, May 17, 2022 followed by a 10am Celebration of Ruth Ann’s Life at Balboa Baptist Church, 415 Ponce De Leon Dr, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909. Interment will follow at CedarVale Cemetery, 200 Minorca Rd, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial in Ruth Ann’s name to Assure Women's Center, 6510 Sorensen Parkway, Omaha, NE 68152