Ruth Browne

Ruth Theresa Hickert Browne was born on the family farm in New Amelo, Kansas on March 11, 1930; the fourth of John and Mary Hickert’s eleven children. She was baptized at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Amelo where she attended grade school and daily Mass. She was a devout Catholic all of her life. She played trombone in the school band and piano at church.Following graduation from Lenora Kansas High School, Ruth attended Loretto Heights College in Denver, Colorado. While there, she studied and majored in History, played Varsity basketball and participated in many other clubs and activities. She was honored with being named Miss Loretto for her graduating class in the Spring of 1951. Following college, she worked in clerical support for the FBI in Denver. John C. Browne of Norton, Kansas, would become the love of her life. Ruth and John were married in New Amelo on April 14, 1952. They settled down in Clay Center, Kansas in 1955, where she and John raised six children. She was an active participant in many civic groups and committees. she became active in Democratic party politics serving as Secretary of The Kansas Democratic party for many years during the 1960’s and 1970’s. She also served as a Kansas delegate to the Democratic National conventions in 1968 and 1972. Although she was fervent in her ideals as a member of the Democratic party, she enjoyed strong working associations with members of both parties and supported many candidates across the aisle. In 1983, Ruth accepted an appointment to become District Magistrate Judge for Riley and Clay counties; an appointment she held until her retirement in 1997. While on the bench she worked tirelessly as an advocate for children in need of care and support services. Although she did not possess a law degree, she threw herself into her work and was proud of the fact that she was never once overturned on any ruling or decision made during her fourteen years on the bench. She greatly enjoyed working with and admired the members of the local law enforcement departments, as well as members of the local bar and always spoke highly of their professionalism. One of Ruth’s great passions was art and support of the arts. She was a founding member of the Kansas Arts Commission, and later served as Chairperson for the Arts Commission from 1983 to 87. She then served on the Board of The Beach Art Museum at K-State, and also served two terms as Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Sandzen Gallery, in Lindsborg, Kansas. After the passing of her husband John in 2005, Ruth served as a member of the Board at Bethany College. It has been a great comfort to her family that so many people loved and helped look after Ruth in her later years. At times it seems like the entire community of Clay Center as well as her extended network of family and friends were keeping tabs on Ruth and her well-being. Her children wish to thank everyone for their caring kindness... In particular her good friends and neighbors Jim and Carol Brown, and Vern and Susie Swanson; and all the staff of Meadowlark Hills, Manhattan. She is preceded in death by the love of her life, husband John, and her brilliant and loving daughter, Theresa. She is survived by children, Mike and Susie Browne, Lincoln, NE, Charlie and Anne Browne, Manhattan, KS, Mary and Michael Reidy, Cambridge MA, James and Terri Browne, Memphis, TN, Dan and Monica Browne, Lenexa, KS, 14 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, 5 siblings, as well as numerous and beloved Browne and Hickert in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30AM, Saturday, June 16, 2018 at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Clay Center, Kansas.Visitation will be held from 3:00PM until 6:00PM on Friday, June 15, 2018 at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church. The Rosary will be recited at 6:00PM.Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center, Kansas.Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities, NativeHope.Org, Pawnee Mental Health or Clay County Arts Council and can be sent in care of the funeral home.