Bonnie Ruth (Nichols) Alloway, 95, of Burwell peacefully passed from this life surrounded by loved ones on June 8, 2024, in Burwell, Nebraska.
Bonnie Ruth was born on February 24, 1929, in Smith Center, Kansas to Clarence and Elva (Rogers) Nichols. In 1930, Ruth’s parents moved their family to the outskirts of Bartlett, Nebraska, where they began ranching during the Great Depression. The second of four children, Ruth shared her childhood with two brothers, Marvin and Kenneth, and one sister, Shirley. The era’s challenges undoubtedly forged her ever resilient and resourceful character.
Ruth graduated from Wheeler County High School in 1946, and then began teaching at a rural school on the Calamus River in North Central Nebraska. It was during this time she met the love of her life, Lyle Alloway; they married on August 5, 1949, at the Methodist Church in Burwell, Nebraska. Together, they pursued their college and post-graduate degrees, with Ruth earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1952, and Lyle earning his M.D. in 1956. They joined the Salvation Army, became officers in 1958, and thereafter served as medical missionaries around the world. They spent over 20 years in India, 5 years in Africa, and at various times lived in Chicago, San Francisco, New York City and Labrador, Canada. During their marriage, Ruth and Lyle traveled to almost 30 countries before retiring to Burwell, Nebraska. A life-long learner, Ruth would later go on to earn her master’s degree in counseling.
She is survived by daughter, LeAnn Rowse of Burwell; son, Wayne (Analise) Alloway of Lincoln; daughter, Lizbeth (Chris) Eberhardt of Lincoln; daughter, Lenore (Mike) Bellamy of Maryville, Missouri; twelve of her thirteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren (with another great-granddaughter due this fall); and her sister, Shirley Hess.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lyle; an adopted daughter, Sukumarie; two brothers, Marvin and Kenny; son-in-law, Jim Rowse; and grandson, Nicholas Rowse.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, 2024; at the Calamus Trinity Methodist Church in Burwell. Pastor Michael Loy will officiate. Burial will be in the Cottonwood Cemetery. Ruth’s legacy of love, faith, compassion, kindness, and service will be cherished by all who knew her. Her life was an inspiring testament to the power of living one’s faith. She helped make this world a better place. Memorials are suggested to the Salvation Army or UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief).
Still Waters Funeral Parlor is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.stillwatersfuneral parlor.com
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