On June 12, 2023, Ruth Naomi (Pritchard) Eichman, formerly of Topeka, Kansas, completed her wonderful life on this earth at the age of 102, surrounded by her loving family. Ruth was born on October 9, 1920, in Ottawa, Kansas. She now rests eternally with her husband William Charles; daughters Patricia Martin and Connie Kemp; her parents; and her siblings: Willard Pritchard, Esther Lantis, Alice Valentine, and Phillip Pritchard.
She was the eldest of six children born to the late Paul C. and Lucy Pritchard. Ruth grew up in Ottawa, Kansas and graduated from Ottawa High School in 1938. Shortly thereafter, she attended Ottawa Business School. She worked as a bookkeeper for her father’s greenhouse business, Pritchard Nurseries. In 1941, she met and married the love of her life, William Charles Eichman. Together they had three beautiful daughters, who completed their family. Ruth worked for the State of Kansas as an Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of The Boys Industrial School of Topeka, from 1961 until her retirement in 1985.
Ruth was very active in the Second Presbyterian Church she attended, serving as an Elder and Prayer Chain Coordinator. Also, she was very involved in her community, serving as Voter Warden for her precinct in Topeka and a willing volunteer for meaningful causes. Ruth, an avid gardener, could tell you what flower was blooming or about to bloom at any given time. Theater and music were other passions in her life; she attended shows and performances whenever she could. She was an excellent Bridge player and belonged to several clubs. Ruth was an enthusiastic sports fan, especially college basketball, where you would find her cheering for the Kansas University, Jayhawks. Recently, she enjoyed playing Wordle everyday with her granddaughters.
Celebrating Ruth’s life and cherishing her memories are her devoted daughter, Karen Sylvia, of Buzzards Bay, MA; grandchildren for whom she raised and provided loving care after her daughter Patricia’s passing in 1981: Sarai Gomez, Charles Martin, John Martin, Matthew Martin, Elizabeth Finley. Other grandchildren include Cynthia Sylvia, Beth Sylvia, Amy Kazlauskas, Quintin Kemp, and Cortland Maddox, and in addition her brother James Pritchard of Ottawa, KS and sister-in-law Dorothy Pritchard of Haven, KS. She also leaves behind 24 great grandchildren, and a host of loving family and friends. Ruth will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
Ruth Eichman’s funeral will be held on, Saturday July 29, 2023 with a service at 11 am at the Second Presbyterian Church, 210
NW Menninger Rd., Topeka, KS followed by interment at the Rochester Cemetery, 1200 NW Menninger Rd., Topeka, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts made to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105
stjude.org, in Ruth’s memory, would be deeply appreciated.
Arrangements are with the Silva Funeral Home of Taunton, MA
For expressions of sympathy, to sign an online guestbook or to light a memorial candle, visit www.silvafuneralhome.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth "Nan" Eichman, please visit our flower store.