Helen Ruth “RuRu” Wagner, 94, of Lincoln passed away on June 27, 2016. Born August 29, 1921, to George and Susan (Kauffman) Ayers in Broken Bow, NE. Helen Ruth moved to Lincoln when she was 5 years old.
She graduated from Lincoln High School, Class of 1939, and then attended the University of Nebraska where, in 1940, she was initiated into the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. On December 18, 1943 HR married Glenn Wagner. From 1945 until 1963 HR was a stay-at-home wife and mother. In 1946 she and Wag became members of Westminster Presbyterian Church. During her years at home HR was a care-giver to her mother, a caring and loving mother to her 3 daughters and an active community volunteer as a member of the Bryan (Hospital) Service League, the Jr. League of Lincoln and PTA. Wag and RuRu were 50+ year members of the Country Club of Lincoln, they loved to dance and were members of several dance clubs. In 1963 Helen went to work for the University of Nebraska Athletic Ticket Office. In 1976 she became the Ticket Manager, a position she held until she retired in 1988. In 1985 RuRu was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame. Helen is mentioned in the Husker Hysteria board game! On June 20, 2016 RuRu was presented with an Honorary N Club Letter in recognition of her “extraordinary and dedicated service as Ticket Manager”.
Helen was preceded to heaven by her husband, Glenn “Wag”; parents; and brother, George. Survivors include daughters, Susie Wagner of Denver, CO, Cindy Lauterbach of Lincoln, Sally (John) Butler of Lincoln; grandchildren, Bob (Karie) Lauterbach of Bellevue, J.P. (Tysha) Lauterbach of Lincoln, Katie (Cam) Mochan of Denver, CO, Kip (Kim) Tinstman of Denver, CO, Molly Butler of Omaha; great-grandchildren, Preston, Payton, Parker Rose, Pierson, Haley, Jamison, Emma, Carson, Claire, Quinn, Colton, Tanner and Tatum; nieces, nephews, and many family, and friends.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, (7-9-16) at 11 a.m. at Roper and Sons Funeral Home, 4300 ‘O’ St, with Rev. Dr. Andrew McDonald officiating. Private Family Burial at Lincoln Memorial Park prior to services.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held following the memorial service. Memorial Contributions may be made to the YMCA of Lincoln or to the donor’s choice.