Thomas Ruda

Thomas Joseph Ruda, passed away at the age of 78 on May 31, 2021, at the Good Samaritan Society Center, Atwood Kansas. He was born March 3, 1943, to John and Rose (Sis) Ruda in Colby, KS.

He lived most of his life in Rawlins County. He attended grade school in Atwood at both the Atwood Public Elementary School and the Sacred Heart Catholic Grade School. He graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic Grade School. He attended Maur Hill Catholic High School in Atchison, KS for one year, then attended Atwood Community High School in Atwood, graduating in1961.

He attended McCook Community College, Colby Community College and Fort Hays State University. He served in the Army Reserve. He was a retired farmer, and a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Parish in Atwood.

Tom loved all things that were a part of nature. He enjoyed watching wildlife and hiking through the countryside. He enjoyed visiting with all members of his family and talking about family history. He was especially proud of his Czech heritage. His late-night phone calls to family members will be missed. Other interests and hobbies of his included drawing and oil painting, writing, music, reading, playing cards, (especially Gin Rummy), watching old western tv programs and western movies. He especially loved looking after his pets.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Rose (Sis) Ruda; his brother, Jack Ruda; his grandparents, Frank and Stephana (Horinek) Ruda, step-grandmother Emily (Mahr) Ruda; and Frank and Apolina (Dobry) Sis.

He is survived by two sisters: Teresa Johnston (Lloyd); Rose Lee Klenke (Tom); and one brother, Richard Ruda (Mary). He is also survived by special cousins, Delpha, Jarett, Marie and Jesse Sis; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

A private graveside blessing and inurnment have taken place with Fr. Norbert Dlabal officiating at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Atwood, KS. Baalmann Mortuary was in charge of arrangements. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Fund, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Condolences may be mailed to Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information and online condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

The family of Tom wishes to thank all who helped Tom and cared for him especially during the past two months: The Sis family, Fr. Norbert Dlabal, the Rawlins County EMT and ambulance crew, the doctors, nurses and staff of the Rawlins County Hospital and Health Clinic, the doctors and staff of Kearney Regional Hospital, the Good Samaritan Home Health staff, the staff of Good Samaritan Center in Atwood, and Taron Davis of Baalmann Mortuary. May the Good Lord bless you all for the compassion and support shown to Tom and his family members.

The following are both prayers of St Francis of Assisi:

“If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.”

“Blessed is the servant who loves his brother as much when he is sick and useless as when he is well and can be of service to him. And, blessed is he who loves his brother as well when he is afar as when he is by his side, and who would say nothing behind his back he might not, in love, say before his face.”