Ruth Marie Shank, 83, died Aug. 9, 2016 at Almost Home, Inc., Great Bend. She was born Dec. 21, 1932 in Dodge City, the daughter of Louis H. and Elma (Deines) Dirks.

She attended grade school in rural schools and graduated from Dodge City High School. Upon graduation, Ruth worked as a secretary and in bookkeeping positions and was a bank teller at Fidelity State Bank, Dodge City, prior to her marriage. She married Virgil Shank March 3, 1967 at Dodge City, and became mother to Martin "Marty" Shank and Kathleen "Kathy" Shank. Virgil died Jan. 25, 1973.

She owned and operated Personally for You Uniform Shop on the US 281 bypass until retiring in 1998. Mrs. Shank was a Great Bend resident since 1967. She was an active member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, where she served as organist and church secretary for many years. Ruth loved music and served as church organist in various churches since the age of 12 until 2014 when ill health intervened. She was an avid reader and loved her many friends and family.

Survivors include a son, Marty Shank and wife Debra, Great Bend; a daughter, Kathy Shull and her husband Jeff, Great Bend; a sister, LaDonna Dirks, Great Bend; two grandchildren, Alissa Shull and Kara Shull; and three great-grandchildren, Emmy Jo Schridde, Ellie Mae Schridde and Eastyn Rylie Schridde. She was preceded in death by her parents. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, yet warmly welcomed in heaven.

Funeral services will be at 9 a.m., Friday, August 12, 2016 at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Great Bend with the Reverend Adam Wutka officiating. Interment will be at the Great Bend Cemetery. Friends may call from noon to 9 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 11, 2016 at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to St. Mark Lutheran Church or Donor's Choice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.