Ruth Hohl retires with years of library memories

    Just shy of 40 years of pleasant memories and people connections as librarian at the Wauneta Public Library, Ruth Hohl decided it’s time to take it easy.
    It was “Junior” Berry who asked her to consider the library position two afternoons a week. She had been working nights at the nursing home which wasn’t very conducive to raising three youngsters. Her first day as librarian was Dec. 31, 1981, and it’s been a good journey, she said.
    The library was originally housed in the same building as the ambulance barn and former jail. Children took interest in looking at the remaining jail bars and bunk beds.
    Space was tight which made the move to the former Wauneta Masonic Hall just north of the previous site a real plus. The village purchased the building and the library moved upstairs with room to expand.         The basement was used for children’s activities and flower shows by the Garden Club, in which Ruth was a member. The basement is now the Wauneta village office.
    Ruth enjoyed children’s reading programs through the years with willing volunteers. That practice continues as 4-year-olds through third graders are currently enjoying reading, crafts and fun on Tuesday mornings from 10 to 11 through June 29.
    The south half of the library features large-print books, catering to reader needs. They used to take books to the nursing home for residents to enjoy, she recalled.
    A donated computer is available for use by the public. Former residents especially take interest in documented genealogy history.
    The library is fortunate to get regular donations. When given in memory or in honor of someone, Ruth attempted to pick out something fitting to the individual’s personality or interests. Stickers were placed in the books to identify the donor and who they recognized.
    As a longtime supporter of the library, Pam Rietsch of Michigan had become a telephone friend of Ruth. Although Rietsch has never lived in Nebraska, she and her husband, Don, visited Wauneta relatives. She always had a desire to move to the area after retirement, although it didn’t happen.
    Ruth established a specific corner in the library displaying very old books about Nebraska, as well as other items contributed by Rietsch.
    High school annuals and former Wauneta Breeze bound books are also part of the library’s collection.
    Outside of her librarian duties, Ruth has enjoyed reading, quilting, flower arranging, gardening, painting, using techniques learned from classes, raising her family and much more. She maintained the flowers in planters in front of the library.
    Gardening continues to be of interest although eye issues have limited some of her other hobbies. Regular phone calls from her two grandsons, Alex Hohl and Aaron Felker, are special to this retiree. Alex also shares her gardening interests.
    A sister to Ansel Hill, Ruth graduated from Chase County High School in 1954. She met her husband, Bob, who is deceased, at a Christmas cantata in Imperial. They were married in the Wauneta Methodist church in 1955 and raised their children on the farm six miles south of town.
    Their three children are Karmon Johnson of McCook, Ron Hohl of Loveland, Colorado and Kenny Hohl, who lives with Ruth. She refers to him as a computer whiz which is handy and she also appreciates his healthy, good cooking.
    Marsha Cameron has filled the librarian position, opening the facility from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Susan Jones is on call to cover when needed.
    Serving on the library board are Rhonda Brunkhorst, Jan Gerih, Sharon Haarberg, Linsay Anderson and Joyce Bley.