Ruth A. Labenz

October 12, 1942 - December 11, 2021

NORFOLK -- Funeral service for Ruth A. Labenz, 79, of Norfolk will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk. Service will be streamed live on www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com web page. Interment will take place at Geneva Public Cemetery, Geneva, NE. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., Friday, also at Stonacek Funeral Chapel. Ruth died on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk. Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk is in charge of the arrangements. Ruth A. Labenz, daughter of Vilas and Dorothy (Parkhurst) Zepf, was born October 12, 1942 in Lynch, NE. Ruth’s first year was on a farm in Boyd County until her family’s home burnt down. The family then moved to a farm near Neligh, NE. The first 3 ½ years she was in Neligh grade. From March to December 1952, Ruth attended country school. After 8 years they moved to Newman Grove, NE. She continued in a country school through the 8th grade. Ruth graduated in 1961 from Newman Grove High School, she was salutatorian of her class. After graduation, Ruth went on to Lincoln School of Commerce in Lincoln, NE. Ruth worked one year for Olson Construction. Ruth was united in marriage to Lester Labenz on August 22, 1963. To this union five children were born Robert, Nancy, Peggy, David and Timothy. For 12 ½ years they lived in and around the Shickley and Geneva, NE area and was employed at Cornhusker Farms. January 1, 1976, they moved to Pilger, NE. In 1978 they started their own trucking business. Ruth was the dispatcher/office manager until 1993, at which time they were divorced. Their son Robert took over L & L Trucking. Ruth worked for Wal-Mart for 17 years and Eco-Lux Inn for 10 years. She also worked for Hampton Inn for four years. Ruth later went back to work for Eco-Lux Inn motel again. After the tornado of June 20th when she lost her home, she moved to Norfolk, NE. Ruth is survived by sons Robert Labenz (Beverly Maier) of Louisville, NE, Tim (Angie) Labenz of Pilger , daughters Nancy (Barry) Wolff of Eli, NE, Peggy Jensen ( Michael Jaeger) of Randolph, Grandchildren Lacey Russman (Andy Sebade), Ashley Labenz, Tyler (Megan) Jensen, Jackie (Kelly) Lueken, Walker Wolff, Grace Wolff, Elliah Wolff, great-grandchildren Dylan Russman, Jaylee Lueken, Kinsley Lueken, Jerik Lueken, Kreely Lueken, Ellison Jensen, Landry Jensen, Kasen Jensen, and Emry Jensen, sister Jean Kringle of Walton, NE, and brother James Zepf of Lincoln. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Vilas and Dorothy, grandparents, infant son David in 1970, and brother-in-law Ronald Kringle. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.