Ruth E. Jackson

Memorials may be made to the Ruth E. Jackson Memorial c/o the funeral home to be designated a later time.

Ruth Ellen Jackson, daughter of James Alfred and Elva “Toots” (Williams) Jackson, was born February 12, 1948 at their home in Riverton, Nebraska. She was baptized in 1953 at Zion Lutheran church by Reverend Edward B. Azzan. She started public school in Riverton and when her family moved into Webster County, Nebraska she attended District School No. 51 through eighth grade. Ruth continued her education at Riverton High school where she played volleyball and was active in the “pep” club. She graduated in 1966 as the Valedictorian of her class.

After graduation, Ruth was a caregiver for Mertie Overleese. The very next year she started working in the County Assessor’s office for Beverly Caswell as Deputy Assessor. On June 7^th, 1973 following the resignation of Mrs. Caswell, the Franklin County Board of Supervisors appointed Ruth as Franklin County Assessor. Ruth held this position for forty-seven years. During her tenure, she was a member of the Nebraska Association of County Officials serving as Secretary, Vice President and President of the Central District. She was a member of the NACO Board from 1997 to 2002 and was named NACO County Official of the Year in 2009. One of her highlights was traveling to Boston for a National Association of County Officers conference.  Although retired, she continued her friendship with many of her co-county assessors.

Ruth’s involvement in Riverton and Franklin County endeavors included, but not limited to the Riverton Congregational church and women’s fellowship, Riverton American Legion Auxiliary serving as treasurer and Secretary of American Legion Auxiliary District 10, Alumni Treasurer, and Riverton Cemetery Board. She was a member of the Franklin County Memorial Hospital Board, County Museum Board, Senior Citizens Board and Advisory committee and Bloomington P.E.O. Chapter P.

Ruth’s love for her family was evident by how involved she was with so many of their daily routines and all the activities she could be involved with them. Her brother Jerry’s boys Robert and Rowden have been so dear to her. All of her cousins, far and near were a special part of her life. Ruth was a bus for many of the children that lived in the Riverton community, the Scheuneman and Minnick kids and especially her special little “red head.” Ruth brought Cheyenne home many times from school or any other place she needed a ride to or from. Eventually when Cheyenne was old enough to drive she returned the favor by driving Ruth back and forth to her various appointments. They developed a very special bond especially through their many “lunch dates”.

Ruth passed from this life suddenly Wednesday, April 26^th, 2023 at her rural Riverton home. She was preceded in death by her grandparents; parents; and brother Jerry Jackson. Ruth will be forever remembered by her nephews Robbie, wife Sara and their children, Enterprise, Kansas and Rowdy, Litchfield, Nebraska; her aunt Leona Jackson, Riverton, Nebraska; several cousins, great nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be held 10:30am Wednesday, May 3^rd, 2023 at the United Congregational Church of Christ, Franklin, Nebraska with Pastor Jay Towell officiating. She will be laid to rest by her family members in Riverton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Ruth E. Jackson Memorial to be designated later. Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska assisted the Jackson family with these arrangements.