Obituary

Ruby Jane Plager

January 29, 1942 - May 8, 2026

Ruby Jane Plager, 84, of Lincoln, passed away on May 8, 2026. Born to Henry and Elda (Beethe) Schaardt on January 29, 1942, in Pawnee City, NE. Ruby was baptized and confirmed at St. Peters Lutheran Church. She grew up on the family farm outside of Elk Creek while attending the Beethe School, St. Peter’s Parochial School and graduated from Elk Creek High School.

She was wed to Vernon Plager in holy matrimony on June 23, 1960, at St. Peters Lutheran Church. They were blessed with 2 sons and a daughter.

Ruby worked for 40 plus years at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. Where she impacted the lives of many people within our community.

She had many skilled hobbies, including Quilting, many different forms of Stitchery, Gardening, cooking and canning. Ruby was an avid supporter of all Husker athletics.

She was a long-term member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Walton Nebraska.

She was deeply involved in the lives of her grandchildren and was always supportive of their hobbies, activities and accomplishments.

Ruby is survived by her children, son; Jeff (Cathy) Plager and children Ryan Plager and Kylee (Austin) Keiser and their son Wade; son; Brent (Cherie) Plager and child Ethan Plager; and daughter; Heidi Penney and children Thomas Cheney, daughters Hope and Mary; Tess Cheney. Brother Larry (Joyce) Schaardt, Sister-in-laws Lucille Schaardt and Linda (Don) Nelson, nieces, nephews and many friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband Vernon; her parents Henry and Elda Schaardt; Brother Elmo Schaardt, Grandson Justin Cheney and Son-in-law John Penney.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church (5315 S 162nd St. Walton, NE, 68461). A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Walton Nebraska.

May14

Memorial Service

Trinity Lutheran Church

5315 S 162nd St. Walton, NE, 68461

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Bradley S. Fischer

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Marian Darlene Samuelson

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Arthur A. Sutfin

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Ruby Jane Plager

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Donald (Don) Shield

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Jeffrey Allen Hirtzel

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Sherry Kay Gifford

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Charles “Chuck” W. Leypoldt

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Max Breed

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Virginia Lee Robertson Alyea

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Vivian Gorthey

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Daniel Swartz

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