Eleanor Ruth Putnam…July 27, 1917 – February 21, 2019

Funeral Services for Ruth Putnam will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at the United Methodist Church of Las Animas with Pastor Mark Cloer officiating. Interment will follow at the Bent/Las Animas Cemetery. Visitation for Ruth will be held on Friday, March 1, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Horber Funeral Chapel.

Eleanor Ruth Putnam, known to everyone as Ruth was born on July 27, 1917 near Greensburg, Kansas to William and Stella Montgomery. She went home to be with the Lord on February 21, 2019 at the age of 101.

Ruth was united in marriage to Alferd Putnam on October 16, 1936. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage.  To the union they had 4 children Barry, Larry, Linda, and Lita.

Ruth attended school in Greensburg, Kansas, graduating in 1935. After graduation she obtained her teaching certificate and taught in a one room school near Greensburg.  After their marriage they remained in the area while Al farmed.  In 1945 they started their trek West, living North of Lamar, Wiley, McClave, and finally Las Animas.

Ruth was the Secretary/Bookkeeper for the McClave School District for 25 years, where she was an important part of many young lives. After her retirement in 1981 she and Al enjoyed meeting friends for coffee, doing crafts, and traveling in their RV with friends and family.

Ruth was a member of the Las Animas Methodist Church, served many years on the Las Animas Library Board, and was a member of the Bent County Historical Society. She especially enjoyed her Fridays welcoming visitors to the Kit Carson Museum.  She was well known for her homemade ice cream she made for the Bent County Rodeo BBQ.

Ruth was an inspiration to many. Her smile will be missed.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Lita (Tom) Schaffer; brother-in-law, Bob Miller; sister-in-law, Betty Montgomery; Larry’s companion, Andrea Benthall; grandchildren, Ron (Heather) Warren, Sandy (Joe) Mulheron, Shad (Heather) Putnam, and Nicole (Troy) Moore; eleven great grandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Stella Montgomery; husband, Alferd; sons, Larry and Barry; daughter, Linda; brothers, Russell and Wayne.

The family would like to thank the Nurses, CNAs and Staff at the Bent County Health Care Center for their loving care of Ruth.

Memorial contributions may be made to United Methodist Church of Las Animas, 546 Locust, Las Animas, CO 81054.