Ruth Piva

Ruth A. Piva, 89, of Lincoln, Nebraska and a longtime resident of Chappell passed away Sunday, December 15, 2019 in Lincoln.  Ruth loved Christmas and died on a beautiful snowy day with the glow of Christmas lights.

A Rosary Service will begin at 10:00 A.M. with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 A.M., Monday, December 23, 2019 in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Chappell with Father Rayappa Pasala officiating. Burial will follow in the Chappell Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the start of the Rosary at the church on Monday morning.

Memorials in Ruth’s name can be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Chappell or the Alzheimer's Association (act.alz.org/donate‎).

Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home and Cremations in Chappell is serving the Piva family.Ruth was born September 11, 1930 in Imperial Nebraska to Max and Isabel (Bennison) Hoffmeister. She was a graduate of Chase County and the University of Nebraska, graduating with a teaching degree in Home Economics. Her first teaching job was in Kimball Nebraska, where she met her future husband Louis. They were married July 16, 1953 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Imperial Nebraska.  Ruth was a homemaker who enjoyed substitute teaching, judging projects at county and State fairs. Later Ruth worked as a Home Extension Agent for Deuel and Garden Counties.

Ruth’s greatest joy was being a wife, mother, and grandmother. Ruth and Louis especially enjoyed family vacations and special grandparent, grandchild trips.  She loved cooking family dinners and entertaining on the Holidays. Ruth was a talented seamstress and cook. She gifted many family members with her cross-stitch pictures. Ruth also enjoyed Extension Clubs, PEO, being a 4-H leader and supporting community activities.
The church was an important part of Ruth’s life, she was involved in Altar Society and loved working on the bazaar, plant sales, Mexican dinners and numerous other projects. She was on the building committee for the new St. Joseph’s Church.  Ruth also taught Catechism numerous years. 

Ruth is survived by daughter Kathy (Steve) Phillips of Omaha, son Tom Piva and daughter Mary Louise (Tim) Murphy both of Lincoln. Grandchildren, Patrick (Lexie), Joseph (fiancee Mary), and Philip Murphy. Kristen Phillips and Brooke (Scott) Laityn and Demi Foster. 

She was preceeded in death by her parents, husband Louis of 62 years and sister Mary Hillberry.