November 17, 1924 - July 12, 2017
Our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother , Ruth Laura Rackowski Pieper, passed away in Lodi, California on July 12, 2017 at the age of 92. Ruth was born on November 17, 1924 in Trenton, New Jersey to Polish immigrants August and Marie Achenbach Rackowski. The last of eight children, she was one of only three siblings to survive past childhood. That tenacity of spirit showed itself throughout her life.
Ruth graduated from Trenton High School in 1942 and immediately put her technical degree to use doing clerical work at the State Capitol. During these war years, soldiers stationed at Fort Dix would come to Sunday church services and Ruth’s mother would invite them home for lunch. One of these young men, Lloyd Herman Henry Pieper, would become Ruth’s husband and the love of her life. After marrying on February 24, 1946 in Trenton, the couple moved to Lloyd’s hometown of Seward, Nebraska. There they lovingly raised one daughter, Pamela Ruth Pieper. During those years Ruth worked at a variety of jobs. She was a legal secretary, store clerk, and bookkeeper. She then took a position at Concordia College in Seward as the buyer and assistant manager for the bookstore. After Lloyd’s premature death from cancer in 1971, Ruth went to work for Hughes Brothers Manufacturing as the assistant personnel director, manager of the company credit union and editor of the company newsletter. Ruth brought intelligence, aptitude and a strong work ethic to every position she held. Typical of the working women of her era, she was also an excellent cook and talented seamstress. We treasure her handmade clothing, quilts and cross stitch pieces. Always an avid reader, Ruth kept abreast of current trends and political issues her entire life. As liberal in politics as she was with her love, she modeled for all of us what it means to be a true humanitarian. Ruth is survived by her daughter Pamela Deines and her son-in-law Dr. Michael Deines both of Woodbridge, California, granddaughter Pastor Meghan Aelabouni (Pastor Gabi Aelabouni) of Fort Collins, Colorado and grandson Dr. Matthew Johnston (Dr. Manisha Lotlikar) of Corvallis, Oregon, great-grandchildren Ethan, Natalie and Luke Aelabouni, and several nieces and nephews across the country. Ruth delighted in taking a pivotal role in the upbringing of her grandchildren, leaving a legacy of generosity, compassion and wry humor. It was also a great joy to her that she was able to spend special times with her great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents August and Marie Rackowski, her husband Lloyd Pieper and brothers William Rackowski and August Rach. Ruth’s resiliency over the years as she uprooted and relocated to be close to her daughter and family was inspiring. Moving from New Jersey, to Nebraska, to Wyoming, to California, Ruth always joked that if she ever had to move again, she would have to learn to swim. We will miss that humor, her unfailing spirit making the best of every situation, the life stories that she shared and the emotional support and stability she provided all of us over so many years. Special thanks to the staff and residents at Arbor Senior Living, Wine Country Care Center and Hospice of San Joaquin for their friendship and constant, loving support.
INTERMENT
Ruth’s ashes will be interred next to her dear husband in Seward, Nebraska.