September 17, 2023
September 17, 2023
Lighting a candle for you and Dad. Please watch over Mary and Lani. Sending you love where you are! Please watch over me too Mom. I love you forever!
Our beloved Mother, Anna "Ruth" Bishop, completed her earthly journey on Tuesday morning, March 22nd, 2016. Memorial services were held for our Mother, Sister and dearest Friend on Friday, March 25th, 2016, 2:00 pm at Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka, Kansas. Most sincere gratitude goes out to all of our dear friends, family and the Faith Lutheran community for your love, support and prayers.
She was born on July 4th, 1927 to Oliver and Stella Crockett in Albany, Missouri. She was the 4th of eight children and was raised on a farm in the northwestern part of the state.
Ruth met Francis Bishop of New Brunswick, Canada, while studying for a B.A. in Education at Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg. They were married on May 21st, 1951, in St. Joseph, Missouri. They both continued their education at the University of Kansas with Francis recieving an Engineering Degree and Ruth earning her Master's degree in Special Education.
Our Father, Francis Vernon Bishop's Forevermissed.com Memorial may be found via the following link: francis-vernon-bishop.forevermissed.com
Ruth had a life-long interest in working with children and taught elementary and home bound "special education" for nearly 40 years with the Topeka 501 School District.
Ruth enjoyed antiquing, family and friends, her church - and Siamese cats. She loved day trips to Lawrence (home of Ruth and Francis' alma mater - KU) and rarely missed her afternoon cup of coffee. In her later years, Mom received daily loving care from daughter-in-law Antonia and son Stewart as they both persued their own Master's Degrees.
Ruth and Francis worshipped at St. John's and Faith Lutheran Churches. They are survived by son Stewart and daughter Reta Jane.
*** In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a memorial donation to one of Mom and Dad's favorite small town, no-kill animal shelters - "Prairie Paws Animal Shelter" in Ottawa, Kansas. Dad's cat Mozart came from that shelter: http://prairiepaws.org/honoriam-memorials/
For more information on Prairie Paws, please click the "Her Life" tab above and scrool to the bottom of the section. ***
Tributes
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June 29, 2022
June 29, 2022
Lighting a candle Mom. Nadine joined your heavenly realm this morning, where I know she was greeted warmly by the Crockett clan … and many others. We continue to ask for your love and guidance for our journeys … and of course - we celebrate your upcoming birthday! I love you.
July 4, 2020
July 4, 2020
Mom, we are thinking of you on your birthday. May your kindness and sweet spirit continue to guide us. Happy Birthday!
Love, Toni & Stew.
Love, Toni & Stew.
July 3, 2020
July 3, 2020
Happy earthly birthday Mom. I send you love and deepest gratitude for all that you did for us and your gentle ways. Thank you for everything.
May 12, 2020
May 12, 2020
Mom, I have been thinking so much about how very fortunate we all were to have had you and Dad as parents, as friends and as the most beautiful and loving souls. In looking back ... we see how divine and fortunate we were. May we all take that confidence in living our lives bravely forward. Missing you this Mother’s Day and every day.
May 10, 2020
May 10, 2020
Mum, we are thinking of you on Mother’s Day. Our love for you is Unconditional and Eternal. You are always on our minds, and forever in our hearts!
Love,
Toni & Stew!
Love,
Toni & Stew!
March 22, 2020
March 22, 2020
Mom, you left us beautiful memories and your love is still our guide. We miss you and love you.
Toni & Stew!
Toni & Stew!
September 18, 2019
September 18, 2019
Dropping in to light a candle for you and Dad. Please help guide me to my highest good, and know that you are so dearly missed. Thank you as well for guiding Toni safely back from Kenya. Hugs and Kisses, Reet
July 2, 2019
July 2, 2019
Mom, sending you love and hugs from Cali, and know that your spirit is and has been free and glorious for some time now. Sending wishes of gratitude to you for holding my four legged babies in the palm of your hands until we are all together once more.
"A bird sings like a flute, in a hidden grove of willows. The golden-threaded trees sway gracefully. The mountain valley hushes as clouds return. A breeze carries the fragrance of apricot flowers. Here I have sat the whole day, enveloped by peace, until my mind is cleansed inside and out. Free of cares and idle thoughts, I wish to tell you how I feel, yet words are lacking. If you come to this grove, we can then compare our notes." Fa-Yen
"A bird sings like a flute, in a hidden grove of willows. The golden-threaded trees sway gracefully. The mountain valley hushes as clouds return. A breeze carries the fragrance of apricot flowers. Here I have sat the whole day, enveloped by peace, until my mind is cleansed inside and out. Free of cares and idle thoughts, I wish to tell you how I feel, yet words are lacking. If you come to this grove, we can then compare our notes." Fa-Yen
March 22, 2018
March 22, 2018
Laying a rose down for you today, Mom, and will have more than a cup of coffee in your honor. Thank you for watching over me, Mom. Hugs, Reet and the Smats
July 4, 2017
July 4, 2017
Thinking of you today on your Birthday Mom. Sending a hug to heaven! You always were our angel. I love you Mom! Reta
May 23, 2017
May 23, 2017
What about Stew's Master's, Mom and Dad?! He got the brains (and he isn't too bad looking either!). Thank you for guiding us from Heaven! xxoo, Reta
July 5, 2016
July 5, 2016
Thinking of you, Jane, just saw that yesterday was your mother's birthday. We send you love and peace.
July 4, 2016
July 4, 2016
Dad and I stopped by yesterday to see Uncle Olen and Debbie. We were talking about Aunt Ruth and remembered her birthday on July 4. Debbie's daughter, Tara, also has a July 4 firecracker bday. Thinking of you all today. I have fond memories of Aunt Ruth. Her kindness, her soft voice and laugh. May memories comfort you today.
May 11, 2016
May 11, 2016
Lighting a candle for you, Mom.
May 10, 2016
May 10, 2016
I am so sorry for the loss of you mother Jane. If she was anything like you, I am sure she was an angel. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and I am confident that you parents are looking lovingly upon you. Hugs and warm regards always.
April 12, 2016
April 12, 2016
From the Topeka Capital Journal Guestbook:
Condolences.
--Jean Pheasant (former neighbor), Topeka, Kansas
Condolences.
--Jean Pheasant (former neighbor), Topeka, Kansas
March 28, 2016
March 28, 2016
From the Topeka Capital Journal Guestbook:
I am saddened by the death of Ruth whom my husband, Donald J. Culley and I knew from our days at Central Missouri State College. Ironically, we all ended up in Topeka, Kansas and in the teaching profession. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. She was a remarkable woman.
Mr. and Mrs. Don and Jackey Culley (Faith Lutheran Church Elders)
I am saddened by the death of Ruth whom my husband, Donald J. Culley and I knew from our days at Central Missouri State College. Ironically, we all ended up in Topeka, Kansas and in the teaching profession. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. She was a remarkable woman.
Mr. and Mrs. Don and Jackey Culley (Faith Lutheran Church Elders)
March 28, 2016
March 28, 2016
From the Topeka Capital Journal Guestbook:
Stuart and family. I am so sorry to hear about Ruth's passing. I really enjoyed getting to know her. She was a very special woman.
Respectfully,
~
Patricia Torrez, Topeka, Kansas
Stuart and family. I am so sorry to hear about Ruth's passing. I really enjoyed getting to know her. She was a very special woman.
Respectfully,
~
Patricia Torrez, Topeka, Kansas
March 28, 2016
March 28, 2016
From the Topeka Capital Journal Guestbook:
Stewart and Reta,
Your mother was such a wonderful person. May your fond memories of her encourage you each day. Both of you are in our thoughts and prayers
~
Jamie Bruhl (Cousin), Lakewood, Colorado
Stewart and Reta,
Your mother was such a wonderful person. May your fond memories of her encourage you each day. Both of you are in our thoughts and prayers
~
Jamie Bruhl (Cousin), Lakewood, Colorado
March 28, 2016
March 28, 2016
From the Topeka Capital Journal Guestbook:
Dear Stewart and Reta,
Aunt Ruth was always a caring and loving woman who will be missed by all. May you find some comfort in your memories. Thinking of your family.
God Bless, Karen and Joe Ramaeker
~
Karen Ramaeker (Cousin), Omaha, Nebraska
Dear Stewart and Reta,
Aunt Ruth was always a caring and loving woman who will be missed by all. May you find some comfort in your memories. Thinking of your family.
God Bless, Karen and Joe Ramaeker
~
Karen Ramaeker (Cousin), Omaha, Nebraska
March 25, 2016
March 25, 2016
Sending my condolences to you and your family Jane. All my love and a big long hug. Steve
March 24, 2016
March 24, 2016
Mother, you were (and will always be) the greatest gift that God could give me in this life. I will continue to look for your love and guidance from Heaven, one day to see you again. I love you so very much.
March 24, 2016
March 24, 2016
What a lovely memorial to celebrate the amazing life journey of Ruth. By looking at the photos I envisioned her life of learning, laughter, and love impacting so many in such a positive way. She has left a lifetime of wonderful memories to be cherished. Stewart, Reta, and Antonia--I wish you peace and comfort.
March 24, 2016
March 24, 2016
Mom, you have stepped into Eternity and your earthly suite is no more! You are now in a glorified, disease free body, celebrating with the host of heaven. Your parting with us was not an end but a magnificent beginning; the terrestrial just got swallowed up by the celestial. God has you in His arms, we have you in our hearts. We can't wait to meet you at heaven's front gate when our temporary assignment on earth is complete. Thank you for your kindness and encouraging spirit. You enriched our hearts in so many ways! Holding your memory with awe and pleasure, and hanging onto the promise of re-union.
Love, Toni.
Love, Toni.
March 23, 2016
March 23, 2016
Sending love and prayers to Antonia, Stewart and Jane as you say goodbye to your mom. Thinking of you all and know that your love and caring was a gift to your beloved mother and she felt your love all around her.
March 23, 2016
March 23, 2016
Stewart , Antonia and Reta,
very sorry for your loss. Your mom was a great lady and will be missed by many. I'll let the guys know and we'll see you at the service.
God bless, Mike
very sorry for your loss. Your mom was a great lady and will be missed by many. I'll let the guys know and we'll see you at the service.
God bless, Mike
March 23, 2016
March 23, 2016
God bless you Anna Ruth. You have been a role model to your daughter Reta Jane who loves fiercely and protectively. I can't think of any attribute more important to a citizen of this earth. Thank you for your light here and beyond. Peace and comfort to you and your family
March 23, 2016
March 23, 2016
I have so many fond memories of your mom and know that she is at peace. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
March 23, 2016
March 23, 2016
Although I did not know your Mom or your family, it is evident that she was a kind, loving, and considerate woman as that is how you are, Jane. She taught you well. It is wonderful that you were able to spend these last days with her. I'm sure she was comforted with your love. Keeping you & your family in our thoughts & prayers.
March 23, 2016
March 23, 2016
Your family was fortunate to have so many years together, parents and children.Your childhood memories and adult understanding have formed and enriched your lives, enabling you to love and care for your parents as they ended their journeys on this earth. As your mother gave you life you have given her peace, an example to the world. We hold you in our hearts.
March 23, 2016
March 23, 2016
This is a lovely tribute to Ruth. May she rest in peace. She shines on through the example of her children. We're blessed with daughter's friendship. Thinking of you. Robin & Rebecca
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
September 17, 2023
September 17, 2023
Lighting a candle for you and Dad. Please watch over Mary and Lani. Sending you love where you are! Please watch over me too Mom. I love you forever!
June 29, 2022
June 29, 2022
Lighting a candle Mom. Nadine joined your heavenly realm this morning, where I know she was greeted warmly by the Crockett clan … and many others. We continue to ask for your love and guidance for our journeys … and of course - we celebrate your upcoming birthday! I love you.
July 4, 2020
July 4, 2020
Mom, we are thinking of you on your birthday. May your kindness and sweet spirit continue to guide us. Happy Birthday!
Love, Toni & Stew.
Love, Toni & Stew.
Gallery
RIP Aunt Nadine. You are a treasure to me.
Guessing Mom is standing in front of either Dad or Uncle Charley's plane.
Mom in Lawrence, KS.
Mom with a NW Missouri State Tee! Wow!
Mom ... looking stunning.
Mom ... looking stunning - again. Got this series of pics from our cousins at the Family Reunion in Colorado this past year (2017)!
Mom sitting on the back of Dad's car. Gorgeous!
Mom pitching a snow ball! I love this series of pictures!
My amazing brother Stewart gets another Master's degree (this one for Nursing)! Here he is with the most amazing woman in the world, Sister-in-Law, Antonia, and their favorite Washburn professor, Dr. Lori Edwards, DNP, MSN, RN.
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