Ruth Brigham

Ruth I. Brigham, 90, of Iola, Kansas, died Sunday, December 21, 2008, at her home. She was born June 30, 1918, in Crowley County, Colorado, the daughter of Bertwin Webster and Mary Elizabeth (Donald) Curtis. The family moved to LaHarpe, Kansas, and then to Iola. Ruth graduated from Iola High School and attended the University of Kansas. She worked a number of years for her father in his furniture store. On November 10, 1943, she married Arthur P. Brigham, Jr. and they made their home in Iola. Art Brigham was in the oil business. He preceded her in death on January 1, 1975, and she continued with the operation of the business. Ruth was a member of St. John's Catholic Church and Altar Society in Iola. She enjoyed playing bridge. She is survived by 2 sons, Perry Brigham & wife, Patty of Bonner Springs, KS, and Tom Brigham & wife, Judy of Iola, KS; 1 daughter, Susan Mueller & husband, Dan of Burlington, KS; 1 brother, Bill Curtis & wife, Helen Shepherd of Mammoth, CA; 10 Grandchildren, and 3 Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 4 sisters, Helen Hines, Rose Nell Edwards, Claradell Kile, and Dorothy Griffith. The parish rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008, at St. John's Catholic Church in Iola, followed by a time of visitation before the funeral mass is celebrated at 10:30 a.m. The Reverend Robert Wachter and The Reverend William Porter will be celebrants. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery in Iola. Memorials are suggested to St. John's Catholic Church or a fund of your choice and they may be left at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel in Iola, which is in charge of arrangements.