Altha Ruth Tilghman

Altha Ruth “Rusty” Tilghman passed away peacefully December 2, 2016 in Topeka, at the age of 94. She was born March 7, 1922 in Berryton, Kansas, daughter of Willis and Hazel (Zirkle) Warner. She lived in Gardner, Lindsborg, and Baldwin, Kansas and graduated from Baldwin High School. In 1944, she graduated from Baker University and married John Tilghman, also a Baker graduate. She worked at Sunflower Ordnance Works during World War II, after which they moved to Topeka and resided at Boys’ Industrial School, where John taught school and later served as business manager. In 1951-53, they lived in Honolulu where John was stationed during the Korean War. They returned in 1953 and remained residents of Topeka thereafter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sister Evelyn Ridgway and brother Alvin Warner. She is survived by her sisters Helen Atherton, Overland Park, and Lois Icenogle, Topeka, her sons Phil Tilghman (Ollie) of Fenton, MO, Doug Tilghman (Janet Dreiling) of Perry, KS, Ken Tilghman (Jan) of Olathe, KS, and Dick Tilghman (Jane) of Topeka, her daughter Debbie Packard (Jon) of Topeka, eighteen grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, and numerous beloved nephews and nieces.

Rusty was a member of Kansas Avenue United Methodist Church. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and held numerous offices in United Methodist Women at multiple levels. She worked as an Avon representative and church secretary, was a Cub Scout Den Mother, Brownie and Girl Scout leader, and mother of four Eagle Scouts and a First Class Girl Scout. She was an active member of Church Women United, North Topeka Kiwanis, NOTOMA, and AAUW and worked tirelessly as a volunteer for numerous civic organizations. She loved caring for her family, singing, dancing, gardening, sewing, cooking, entertaining, and playing silly pranks on unsuspecting friends.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kansas Avenue United Methodist Church. She will lie in state Monday from noon to 8:00 p.m. with visitation from 4:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Kansas Avenue United Methodist Church. A meal will follow services at the church. Graveside services will be at 2:00 Tuesday at the Rochester Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas Avenue United Methodist Church and sent in care of the Davidson Funeral Home.