Ruth was born on December 30, 1929, in Lyman, NE, to Adam and Katherine (Schmidt) Rexius. She attended secondary school in Huntley,Wyoming, before moving to Scottsbluff, where she began working in the dietary department at West Nebraska Methodist General. In December of 1949, she met her future husband, Henry Kildow, Jr., of Bayard, at a dance just before the great blizzard. She often reminisced about how they were unable to see each other for some time because of the storm.

Ruth and Henry were married on February 4, 1951, and she began what she considered her favorite career—being a farm wife. Together, they had four children. After the unexpected passing of her husband at the young age of 37, Ruth moved to Bayard with her children. Ruth worked numerous jobs in Bayard at locations such as the bank, Bayard Clothing, and the corner drive-in. Her final job was in the dietary department at Chimney Rock Villa, where she retired after 20 years.

Throughout her life, Ruth was an active member of Hope Congregational Church in Bayard. She loved spending time in her garden and enjoyed arts and crafts, especially floral work, for which she had a special talent. Ruth was known for her warm smile and contagious laugh. She cherished time spent with her family and friends and will be dearly missed by many in the community.

She is survived by her children, Ronald Kildow of Bayard; Michael (Debra) Kildow of Minatare; Brenda (Randy) George ofWeston, FL; and Roger (Jeanine) Kildow of Bayard; four grandchildren: Michael (Darcy) Kildow, Jr, George (Crystal) Kildow, Ashley (Richard) George-Meier, Michael George; and four great-grandchildren Hunter Kildow, Grant Kildow, Ava Kildow, Ella Kildow.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Kildow Jr.; her parents; and her five brothers and five sisters, and was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Her faith, kindness, and love for family will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew her.