Marjorie "Ruth" Lichtenstern

Marjorie “Ruth” Lichtenstern, age 82, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at Midland Hospice Care in Topeka. Ruth was born July 30, 1935 on the family farm south of Denison, Kansas, the daughter of Jay and Edna Knowles Porter. She attended a one-room country school, which closed after she finished 8 ^th grade. She attended Denison Rural High School, graduating in 1952. She was a math major at the University of Kansas, where she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Education. In 1957, she was awarded the Master’s of Science in Education from KU. Her teaching career began at Highland Park Rural High School in the fall of 1957. When Topeka West High School was opened in 1961, Ruth joined the faculty as a math instructor, where she spent the rest of her career. She retired in 1995, bidding a fond farewell to the many exceptional students she encountered over those years. One of her fondest experiences was teaching Honors Geometry at Topeka West.  On September 1, 1966, she was united in marriage to Louis P. Lichtenstern. He preceded her in death on November 30, 2006. Their marriage was officiated by her uncle, who had officiated the marriage of her parents 50 years before.

Ruth received her early religious training in the Denison Reformed Presbyterian Church. She was a member of the East Topeka United Methodist Church for 35 years and joined the Highland Heights Christian Church after the East Topeka UMC closed.  Since retirement, she had been an active member of the Topeka Area Retired School Personnel. She also enjoyed the opportunity to travel.

Ruth is survived by her son, Roland Lynn (Mary) Greenlee of Clay Center; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; nine nieces and nephews; numerous great-nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by three brothers, James, Warren and Bill Porter.

Funeral services will be Monday, April 23, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Davidson Funeral Home. She will lie in state Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. with visitation from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Davidson Funeral Home. Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Highland Heights Christian Church or Midland Hospice Care and sent in care of the Davidson Funeral Home. davidsonfuneral.com.