Ruth Eby Penner, 86, of North Newton, Kan., died March 30, 2025, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. 

She was born May 4, 1938, in Lancaster, Pa., to Henry Eby and Anna Z. Eby, the second youngest of nine siblings: Martin, Ethel, Warren, Roy, Mary, Henry, Aaron, Ann and Ivan. 

Ruth was a beloved spouse, mother and grandmother. She was a registered nurse and later in life an ordained Mennonite pastor. She and Marvin met in church service in Haiti and lived a life dedicated to service as Ruth nursed, pastored and raised her family on her husband’s family farm in Beatrice, Neb., before the couple moved to central Kansas. 

In her years of ministry, she served as interim pastor of Beth-El Mennonite Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., First Mennonite Church in Hillsboro, Kan., Manhattan Mennonite Church in Kansas and as pastor of New Creation Mennonite Church in Newton, Kan. 

She is survived by her husband, Marvin Penner; daughter Vicki Penner, (Richard Minder); son Larry Penner (Rebecca Weidner); and four grandchildren. 

The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. June 12 at Kidron Bethel Retirement Center. Memorial gifts can be made to Mennonite Central Committee and Kidron Bethel Village.