Ruby J Welna

Ruby was born on July 14, 1923, in Audubon County, Iowa, to Carl and Mattie Johnson.

She pursued higher education and earned her associate’s degree, later beginning her professional career with Union Pacific Railroad. After her time with the railroad, Ruby built a successful second career working as a realtor.

In August of 1950, Ruby married Lester Welna. Together they made their home in Omaha, Nebraska, where they spent most of their early days raising their three adopted children: Gary, Vicki, and Terri, until Lester’s passing in 1980.

Ruby was an enthusiastic fan of Nebraska football and always watched the games. She also liked basketball, a sport she played in high school. Ruby’s hobbies included knitting, crocheting, sewing, and baking, talents she generously shared with family and others over the years. Ruby was also very proud of her Danish heritage and shared the recipes and traditions with her family.

Ruby was always very active and enjoyed spending time taking her children and their friends water skiing and boating, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Among her many accomplishments, Ruby was especially proud of becoming a pilot and flying her beloved 1941 Ercoupe airplane, a hobby she shared with her father. Her positive spirit and willingness to embrace adventure made her memorable to all who knew her.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Mattie Johnson; her husband, Lester Welna; and her siblings: Irene Schmidt (Victor), Helen Smith (Thayer), and Frank Johnson (Norma).

She is survived by her children: Gary Welna (Sharon) of Omaha, Nebraska; Vicki Halley and John Barrier of Cape Coral, Florida; and Terri Nofsinger (Rich) of Liberty, Missouri.

She also leaves behind treasured grandchildren: Matt Welna (Chelsey), Mike Welna (Julia), Chris Alsman (Jeni) and Cooper and Maddie Nofsinger. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Erin, Hannah, Graham, and Isaac Welna; Kairi, Keira, and Kimber Alsman along with numerous nieces, nephews, and many others whose lives were touched by her warmth and kindness.

Ruby was blessed with good health and enjoyed her wonderful life up to the end. She cherished time spent with family the most and was truly a remarkable lady. She will be deeply missed beyond measure.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Luther Memorial Church 1031 Sunset Trail, Omaha, NE from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. and lunch reception to follow. Private burial services will take place at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Talking Book and Braille Trust Fund 1200 N Street, Suite #120, Lincoln, NE 68508, or UN Foundation for Macular Degeneration Research, 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite #300, Lincoln, NE 68508.