Ruth Muirhead Dillon, 96, passed away at home on January 6, 2024, holding hands with Paul Dillon, her devoted husband of 74 years, surrounded by loving family and supportive caregivers who have now become friends. Born on December 3, 1927, to parents Ruth Aller and Brian Robert Muirhead, Ruth spent her early years in Shreveport, Louisiana, cherishing close relationships with two older brothers, David and Robert, as well as cousins and grandparents. She was friends for a lifetime with childhood companions, affectionately known as the “Shreveport ladies.” In high school, she enjoyed the many dances offered as part of a Southern high school in that era and was a proud ROTC platoon sponsor and member of the National Honor Society. A 1948 graduate of Kansas State University, Ruth majored in Psychology and Education and was a dedicated member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
After meeting on a blind date, Ruth and Paul fell in love quickly and married at First Methodist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana on August 19, 1949. They have shared a life filled with love, respect, and adventure ever since. Together, Paul and Ruth have three children: Dave Dillon, Ann Ramseyer, and Mary Dillon. As a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother (aka Gigi), and friend, Ruth added beauty, hospitality, intelligence, and fun to as many occasions as possible. The manners and traditions Ruth nurtured will live on in the lives of her loving husband and children, nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and generations to come.
With a myriad of interests, Ruth loved Siberian Huskies, waterfalls, fur coats, vanilla cakes, homemade grape ice cream, fine paintings, sculptures, traveling, competitive bridge, tennis, fashion, bird watching, family history, holiday celebrations with heirloom dinnerware, silver, and crystal goblets, and more. Ruth was an active leader and volunteer in community organizations such as Girl Scouts, Hutchinson schools, First Presbyterian Church, and the Hutchinson Art Center. Ruth prized living in Hutchinson and traveling throughout the world with family and friends. She will be remembered for her surprise deliveries of freshly cut zinnias and other garden flowers, and her stylish flair, elegance, and generosity among countless other admirable traits.
Loyal always, Ruth enjoyed friendships that lasted lifetimes and close family relationships that span generations. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers David and Robert and their wives, Paul’s cousin Ace and wife Betty,
Paul’s cousin Dick, and many close family members and friends. Survivors include Ruth’s husband Paul Dillon and children Dave and Dee Dillon of Prairie Village, Kansas, Ann and Rob Ramseyer of Wichita, Kansas, and Mary Dillon and Jon Hafker of Lawrence, Kansas; Carolyn Dillon, wife of Dick Dillon; grandchildren Jeff and Tracy Dillon, Heather Dillon and Brad Poos, Katy Dillon and Ryan Cook, Ruthie and Ryan VanDever, Rob and Charlie Ramseyer, Alan and Elyse Ramseyer, Jake Esau, Justin Esau and Allison Recupero, and Pete Esau and fiancé Aaron Hepps; great-grandchildren Brooks, Lucy, Lily, Hank, Ollie, Rosie, Teddy, Ben, Harper, Dillon, Jane, Molly, Robby, Tad, Alden, Sammy, and AJ.
A very special thanks to the caregivers who have gone above and beyond in caring for and loving Ruth and Paul.
Memorial service at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church, Hutchinson, with a reception following at the church. Friends may sign the book from 9 AM to 5 PM Wednesday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to First Presbyterian Church or the Hutchinson Art Center care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.