Ruth M. Lavender

Ruth M. Lavender, 81, of rural Altamont, passed away at 1:51 p.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Ruth Marie Adams was born on March 30, 1944, to W. Glenn and Hazel (Westervelt) Adams in Hallowell, Kansas. She grew up and attended school in Labette County, graduating from Labette County Community High School in 1962.

On September 8, 1963, Ruth and Dale L. Lavender were united in marriage at the First Baptist Church in Altamont. Ruth devoted her life to making a loving and comfortable home for her family. She was a proud farm wife, who also babysat numerous children. For several years, Ruth also was the weekend grill cook at the Grizzly Den.

A devoted Christian, Ruth was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Altamont. She loved to volunteer at the New Life Clothing and More store in Altamont. A long-time quilter, Ruth enjoyed being a member of the Itchin’ for Stitchin’ quilting club.

She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Sue Hilderbrand and her husband, Keith, of Altamont, Kansas; two grandchildren, Lori Zielinski and her husband, Mike, and Kristopher Hawley and his wife, Molly; two great-grandchildren, Mikayla Zielinski and Jadyn Zielinski; one great-great-granddaughter, Portlynn; two sisters, Mildred Banzet and her husband, Hosea, of Altamont, Kansas, and Janet Miller of Wheaton, Illinois; and daughter-in-law, Cynda Lavender.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dale Lavender, on August 1, 2011; her son, Roger Lavender on March 26, 2017; and grandson, Joshua Hilderbrand on December 13, 2015.

The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 12, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in Altamont. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont.

Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Altamont. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.