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

Share a Memory or Condolence

May 14, 2026

Ruby and I went to high school together at Elk Creek, Nebraska. We played volleyball together enjoyed lots of activities in Elk Creek High School. Ruby dated Vernon and I dated Marv Many double dates!!

– Sharlene Knippelmeyer
May 14, 2026

We are so saddened to learn of Ruby’s passing. She was fun to be around, had a great sense of humor, and we greatly enjoyed chatting with her. Our heartfelt sympathies to her family. May memories of happy days comfort you during this sad time, and may you know that love is eternal.

– Mary and Clyde Callam
May 14, 2026

My sympathies to Ruby’s family! She was an incredible lady!

– Elaine Speckmann
May 13, 2026

Heartfelt sympathy to Ruby’s families! God Bless! 🙏✝️

– Lillian Fritch
May 13, 2026

I worked closely with Ruby at Madonna as my 1st job out of PT school in 1998 and she was an absolute gem!!! She watched out for me, showed me the ropes, and offered her grit and muscles in the gym. She truly kept the PT group humming and was an expert at scheduling! I have nothing but fond memories of my time working with Ruby! God bless her and her family!!!

– Linda Husted

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