Ruby "Toots" Christen

Anselmo, NE – Ruby “Toots” Christen age 98 of Anselmo, NE passed away November 30, 2024, at Brookestone View.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 10:30 AM at the St. Anselm’s Catholic Church in Anselmo, NE. Burial will follow in the St. Anselm’s Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Anselm’s Catholic Church or St. Anselm’s Catholic Cemetery. A Rosary will be held on Wednesday, December 4th at 5:30 PM, with a time to greet the family after at the St. Anselm’s Catholic Church. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com.

Ruby M. “Toots” (Klindworth) Christen was born October 15, 1926, at Milburn, NE to John and Orva (Kehler) Klindworth. Ruby graduated from Milburn High School in the last graduating class before the High School closed. She received her “Normal Training” from Kearney Teachers College and started teaching in a one room school on Columbia Table, West of the now Finney Ranch at age16. She taught at Bell School and New Helena Schools also. Before she was hired at New Helena, the board asked her if she could handle “Buster”, she said yes. On the way to school she cut a willow switch. “Buster” came in that morning and asked what that was for, she responded “try something and you will find out”, never had a problem with “Buster”.

Toots married David “Dub” Christen on February 13, 1952, at St. Anselm’s Catholic Church in Anselmo. To this union four children were born Mary K., Thomas D., Timothy D., and Patricia A. They made their home along Victoria Creek, North of Victoria Springs. Most of the outings were just around the corner, 1 ½ miles away.

She raised a garden and chickens to help with putting food on the table and canned lots of home raised beef.

Ruby is survived by her daughters Mary K (Richard) Bahensky and Patricia Christen, sons Tom (Janie) Christen and Tim Christen, all of Anselmo, grandchildren Josh (Jamie) Christen, Jenni (passed 11-26-24) (Jamie) Klanecky, Wade (Afton) Christen, Waylon (Lanay) Christen, and James (Emily) Bahensky along with 12 great-grandchildren.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, granddaughter Jenni Klanecky (11-26-24), three siblings and their spouses, one nephew, and three nieces.