Ruth Ellen (Crull) Hinson

Ruth Ellen (Crull) Hinson, 72, of Lawrence, Kansas died Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Baldwin Healthcare and Rehab in Baldwin City, Kansas.

She was born April 25, 1953 in Fort Madison, Iowa the daughter of Donald and Mary (Six) Crull.  She graduated from Fort Madison High School with the class of 1971. 

On December 16, 1972, Ruth was united in marriage to Michael F. Hinson in Fort Madison, Iowa.  They shared 50 years of loving marriage until Michael’s passing on May 30, 2023. During Mike's time in the Navy, they lived in several different locations. They eventually settled in Kansas City, KS for 30 years. Over the last 12 years, they moved to Gardner and then Lawrence area to be closer to their grandkids. 

Ruth worked as a Library Assistant for the USD 500 school district until 1999 and later transitioned to an insurance claims processor at FMH Benefit Services until her retirement in 2020. 

Ruth was deeply family-oriented, which is the simple truth of who she was. Her world revolved around her family, and everyone felt the warmth of that love. For her, life was not defined by career achievements or wealth, but by the love and happiness shared with her family.

She made it a point to attend ball games and events, not out of obligation, but out of pure joy. She loved to see her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews shine. Everyone was a star in her eyes. 

She was an avid baker who understood that the best lessons in life are often found in simple pleasures. For her, baking wasn't a solitary hobby but a chance to connect with people. She was a natural teacher, patiently guiding you through every step, even a misstep or two. She had a gift for making you feel capable, and her encouragement made you feel like you could bake anything. She dedicated many hours each year to making the perfect Christmas dessert trays to share with friends and family. She would often bake close friends and family their favorite dessert on birthdays, anniversaries or no special occasion at all. Those who received her desserts cherished her talent and love displayed through her sweet treats.

Beyond her family, she loved K.U. Basketball. It was a source of great happiness. She enjoyed watching basketball games with friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Mary Crull; her husband, Michael Hinson; two sisters, Pamela Upham and Cheryl Goggins; a brother, David Crull; and a sister-in-law, Debbie Crull.

She is survived by her daughter, Wendy Morris and her husband, Danny, of Baldwin City, KS; a sister, Theresa Heidbreder and her husband, Albert, of Fort Madison, IA; two brothers, Clifford Crull and his wife, Nancy, of Donaldson, IA and Phillip Crull of Onekama, MI; six grandchildren, Jordan Morris, Hailey Vaughn and her husband, Christopher, Trevor Morris, Kaitlyn Morris, Aiden Espino, and Cadence Espino; and many other beloved in laws, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

To celebrate Ruth’s life, a visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, 712 Ninth St, Baldwin City, KS 66006.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Stroke Foundation and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 64, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

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