Bauman, Ruth A. 1929-2026 Wathena, Kan.
WATHENA, Kan. – Ruth Anna (Herpel) Bauman, 96, longtime resident of rural of Wathena, Kansas, entered the presence of the Lord Jan. 9, 2026. She was surrounded by family in her daughter’s home in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.
Ruth was born to Elmer and Frieda (Meng) Herpel, in her parents’ country home north of Wathena. She was the fifth of eight children.
After the death of her mother, when Ruth was ten, she helped with household responsibilities and care of younger siblings. She graduated from Lehman Grade School. As a young teenager she became a member of Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church. Ruth’s Christian faith was very important to her and guided her throughout her life.
On Nov. 27, 1948, Ruth married Frederick Arden Bauman. During their 67 years of marriage they ran a dairy farm, had a prolific garden, and raised eight children. She was a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary and worked in the kitchen at the Wathena Nursing Home for 20 years.
In her family and in the community, Ruth was known as a very good cook. She enjoyed participating in Community Meetings, School Socials, and church activities including potluck dinners and fund-raising suppers. Ruth taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School classes, in addition to teaching her own children and grandchildren about her faith.
In 2015, Ruth and Arden moved to live with their daughter, Jan, and her husband, Charles, who cared for them as they faced health challenges.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Arden (93); her son, Dale (20); her parents; seven siblings: Howard Herpel, Kenneth Herpel (Opal), Dorothy Pulley (Bryce), Vera Miller, Peggy Markt, Jack Herpel, and Francis Hawley; and her great- grandson, Leland Lubbers (infant).
She is survived by her children, Nancy Beyer, St. Joseph, Jan Coakley (Charles), Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Daniel (Lisa), Kensington, Kansas, Kristin Lawrence (Charles), Hays, Kansas, Frieda Bensing (Mark), St. Paul, Minnesota, David, Wathena, Douglas, Wathena; 22 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be held at Harman-Rhode Funeral Home, Wathena, from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday evening, Jan. 16, 2026. The funeral is 11 a.m.. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, and will be held at Zion United Evangelical Church of Wathena with a grave side service to follow at the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Zion Church, Samaritan’s Purse, American Cancer Society, or Alzheimer’s Foundation. www.harmanrohde.com As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
