Obituary of Ruth Loutzenhiser

Ruth Elaine Loutzenhiser of Flagler, Colorado, age 83, passed away Thursday April 16, 2015 in Brush, Colorado. Ruth was born July 18, 1931 in Plains, Kansas to parents Benjamin and Velma (Wallace) King. Ruth attended Arriba High School, graduating in 1949. She furthered her education by attending college at Colorado A.M. now Colorado State University receiving her degree in Home Economics in 1953. Ruth married Lee Kraxberger on June 11, 1951 in Arriba, Colorado. The couple moved to Hugo in 1955 where Ruth worked at the elevator. Their son Robert was born in 1961. The marriage later dissolved. Ruth furthered her education at Adams State College receiving her Masters in Elementary Education in 1972. She taught first grade in Arriba from 1967 to 1971, then taught fourth grade in Flagler in 1972-73. Ruth married Duane Loutzenhiser in May of 1985 and the family moved to the original Loutzenhiser homestead east of Flagler, Colorado. She worked for Snell Grain Company in Bovina, Hugo, Arriba and Genoa as bookkeeper, secretary and sales clerk. Ruth was an officer of Palestine Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, for over 15 years, including Worthy Matron and Installing Officer. Ruth enjoyed glass painting, carving, sewing, gardening, and cooking. Ruth won the bread baking contest at the County fair and competed at the State Fair. She also helped Duane with the American Legion in Flagler. Ruth retired from her position as the RSVP Director for both Lincoln and Kit Carson County after twenty one years of service. Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Velma King and husband Duane Loutzenhiser in 2012 and one brother, David King. She is survived by her son, Robert Lee (Tracie) Kraxberger and their two children Becca and Alia of Hugo, Colorado, step-son Doyle (Pam) Loutzenhiser of Flagler, Colorado, step-daughter Penny Loutzenhiser of Thornton, Colorado. Ruth is also survived by her brother, Greg (Susan) King of Limon, Colorado and sister-in-law Joyce King of Akron, Colorado as well as a host of family and friends.