CLAFLIN — B. Ruth Wheeler, 77, died June 3 at Great Bend Regional Hospital, Great Bend. Born July 28, 1933, at Austin, Minn., she was the daughter of David Quincy and Helen Dorothy Stephens. A longtime resident of Claflin, she was a retired CNA at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood, and a former owner of the Claflin Tavern.

She was a member of St. Johns Episcopal Church, Great Bend.

Ruth loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed crocheting.

Survivors include a daughter, Helen Dunlap and her husband Vernon, of Claflin; two sisters, Marion Stahl, Austin, Minn., and Florence Caroll of California; two grandchildren, Heather Dunlap Jimison and Matthew Dunlap and financee Kerstie Stumps, all of Claflin; and two great-grandchildren, Taylor Jimison and Talyn Dunlap, Claflin. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Lewain David Stephens and William "Bill" Stephens; one sister, Marguerite Earl; and one grandson, David Quincy Dunlap.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Johns Episcopal Church, Great Bend, with Mother Phyllis Flory officiating. Interment will be at Claflin Cemetery. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday, with the family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, and from 9 a.m. until service time Tuesday at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. Johns Episcopal Church, Claflin Ambulance Service or Woodhaven Care Center, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.