Ruth Martindale Jones Thompson, 1942-2024
Remembrances from Ruth’s Daughter
Ruth’s daughter Allison sent her obituary and also told us about her mother’s long career in the U.S. District Court.
“She started out in the Probation department in a clerical position and then moved to the Clerk of Court’s office where she served as a Deputy Clerk / Docket Clerk for a few years. Next, she was moved into Judge Kelly’s chambers as his Courtroom Deputy and then became his Administrative Assistant. When Judge Kelly retired, she remained in chambers as Judge Marten’s AA. She worked for U.S. District Court for 29 years in total. As my mother said – with wonder and amazement – ‘All on a high school diploma from East High!’ 🥰
“I think what amazed her was that she worked with mostly lawyers and judges and people with many years of college so she felt honored & at times, humbled. And yes, I was proud of her and so thankful she was my mom! She and I were very close. We even worked together at the court for about 10 years so I saw her every day. She is greatly missed, even though dementia took her from us awhile before she passed.”
Ruth Thompson’s Obituary
Susan Ruth Martindale Jones Thompson, born November 9, 1942 in Wichita, Kansas, passed away on August 24, 2024. She was the daughter of Herbert and Maudie Martindale. Ruth attended East High and graduated in 1960.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Jerry Jones (East’60, 1942-2013, (pictured at left), and her second husband Randall Thompson.
Ruth retired after 29 years from U.S. District Court, Wichita, in 2008.
Survivors are daughters Angela Blevins of Wichita, Allison Jones (Kenneth Webb) of Sweeny, TX; grandson Sheldon Blevins, great-grandson Braydon Blevins; brother Loren Martindale; all of Wichita, and many nephews and nieces.
Memorials are established with Kansas K-9 ResQ, P.O. Box 1117 Wichita, KS 67203 and the Alzheimer’s Association 1820 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67214.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sat., Oct 12, 2024 at Linwood Park Rec Center 1901 S. Kansas St. Wichita, KS 67211.
Editor’s Note: Many thanks to Jerry and Ruth’s daughter Allison for sending the obituaries and photos of her parents.
