Ruth  Vellek

CLERGY
Rev. Bill VanGerpen
MUSIC
Organist ~ Becky Tycz
Soloist ~ Lisa Knoll
"In the Garden"
"Ivory Palaces"
"Precious Memories"
Congregational Hymn
"What a Friend We Have in Jesus"
ACTIVE CASKETBEARERS
Ruth’s Grandchildren
Benjamin, Joseph, Steven, Daniel,
Courtney, Stephanie, Caitlin, and Paige
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS
Ruth’s Great-Grandchildren
Dakota and Charles
Ruth Albina Vellek was born on Wednesday, May 28, 1930 to Joseph R. and Anna (Dvoracek) Rehurek on a farm near Tabor, South Dakota. As a child, she attended Koupal Rural School #24. Following her graduation from Tyndall High School in 1948, Ruth attended Southern Normal College in Springfield and earned her teacher’s certificate. Except for in 1952 when she was stricken with polio, from 1948 to 1958 Ruth taught in rural schools in Bon Homme county. On April 22, 1958, Ruth was united in marriage to Charles Vellek. Together they made their home in the country, where they farmed and raised many pigs and other livestock. After her children entered school, Ruth worked as a teacher’s aide until the rural schools were closed.
Ruth always loved working with youth, such as the school children, Jr. Auxiliary girls, 4-H, Sunday school, and especially her children and grandchildren. She was a 64 year member of the Kortan-Hatwan Legion Auxiliary of Tabor and served in various offices. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Tyndall and its Presbyterian Women’s group. Ruth served in many positions in the church as well as singing in the choir for over 50 years with Lillian Herman and the church mixed quartet. She was also a member of the Highland Pinochle Club and the Good Samaritan Guild, helping with projects and activities. 
Ruth passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall having attained the age of 85 years, 3 months, and 5 days.
She is survived and remembered by her son, David (Denise) Vellek of Springfield; daughters: Lisa (Layne) Drenth of Sioux Falls and Monica (John) Brock of Huron; grandchildren: Benjamin (Jodi) Vellek, Steven (Alexis) Vellek, Daniel Vellek, Courtney Drenth, Caitlin (fiancée William Jonescheit) Drenth, Paige Drenth, Joseph (Christina) Brock, and Stephanie Brock; great-grandchildren: Dakota Vellek and Charles Brock; sisters: Irene Kreber of Springfield and Dorothy Sattler of Mitchell; and brother Lawrence Rehurek of Sparks, NV.
She was preceded in death by her husband Charles in 2005, parents Joseph and Anna Rehurek, brothers: Alvin in infancy, Calvin, Raymond, and LeRoy, and sisters Vi Kostlan and Marcella Kortan.