Ruth Anna (Neeld) Messler
6/20/1927 – 11/12/2025
Ruth, affectionately called “Ruthie,” was born in the family farmhouse southeast of Verdon, Nebraska, to Forrest and Anna (Fisher) Neeld. The fourth of six children, she grew up surrounded by a close-knit family. She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings: Donald, Kathryn, James, and Dolores; her infant brother, Forrest Christian; her husband, Arlin; and her granddaughter, Julie Kunau Larson.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Kunau (Freddie); her granddaughter, Donna Kunau Gieben of Colorado Springs; and her great-granddaughter, Brooke Leigh Gieben of Kansas. She is also survived by her daughter, Sandra Ann Messler; her grandson, Burke Lee Spielmann (Coby); and her great-granddaughters, Carter Leigh Spielmann and Reef Ruthie Spielmann of Georgia.
Ruth and Arlin eloped in 1943, and shortly afterward Arlin left to serve in World War II. During his service, Ruth worked as a telephone operator in a small Nebraska town. When Arlin returned home, they began their family, spending their early married years in Fremont, Nebraska. Hoping for a change of scenery, they briefly moved to Mesa, Arizona, before realizing their hearts were in Colorado Springs, where they made their home for the rest of their lives.
Ruth was always a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her life revolved around her family, who meant everything to her. If any member of her family needed care, closeness, or counsel, she was always ready to give whatever was needed. She loved happy, jazzy music, and she and Arlin were wonderful dance partners. She cherished family vacations and celebrating anniversaries with her brother, Jimmy, and his wife, Lucille, in Las Vegas.
An avid animal lover, Ruth proudly supported her daughter Sandra at horse shows and enjoyed watching her daughter Linda ice and roller skate. She loved cheering on her grandchildren in their school sports and rarely missed a game. Ruth was incredibly kindhearted and easy to love.
As a believer in Christ, she now rests in heaven, reunited with those she loved and welcomed into everlasting peace.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.