Beulah Elizabeth Kottke was born on July 18, 1936, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. Beulah's father was a Minister in the Evangelical United Brethren Church ("EUB"). Beulah's family were known as German Methodists. Beulah lived her first 5 years in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, then moved to Paynesville, Minnesota where she attended most of her grade school, and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1954. As a child, she had fond memories of going into town with her father on shopping trips, and being given the money to pay local merchants. After high school, Beulah attended St. Cloud State University and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1958. Beulah met her husband-to-be at a church camp located near Paynesville, Minnesota, where Tom was a camper and Beulah was employed in the kitchen. Tom says he knew "this is the girl for me". Beulah and Tom then developed a long distance relationship by mail. Beulah sent her letters from the University in St. Cloud, Minnesota.Tom corresponded from Park College in Parkville, Missouri. They were married on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1958, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. The service was conducted by Beulah's father and Tom's father, both of whom were ministers. After graduating from St. Cloud State, Beulah moved to Kansas City where Tom was attending Park College. Beulah began teaching the 6th grade at Briarcliff school, and paid for Tom's senior year of college.
Beulah and Tom then had 3 wonderful sons, Brock, Bryan and Brett. Beulah stopped teaching upon the birth of their first son, and stayed home to raise all 3 of her boys. In 1960, Beulah and Tom joined St. Luke Presbyterian Church (now known as GlenHaven Church) and have attended continually from that time. For the last 62 years, Beulah worked diligently in a variety of church organizations, rising to become both a Deacon and Elder. Beulah was a humble servant of the Lord, contributing to many important church matters and never seeking recognition for her work. Where Tom had risen to a position of influence in the church, he would give Beulah all the credit. Each partner gave their best efforts to the church, a factor continually in evidence from the time Beulah began helping her father assemble the Sunday morning bulletins as a child. Years later, they realized Tom had also helped his father assemble the Sunday bulletins.
Beulah was a fantastic homemaker raising 3 active sons. She was also Tom's administrator when he created his successful commercial real estate appraisal business. Beulah enjoyed knitting, attending movies and travelling the world with Tom. They visited all 50 states and four continents. She often comforted inmates in the women's section of the Jackson County Jail, the Chillicothe Jail, and the Jefferson City State Prison. She closely attended friends and fellow church members who had fallen ill. "Oh Lord, when did we ever see you sick or in prison?" Beulah later applied her computer skills on behalf of the food pantry at In As Much Ministry.
Beulah is survived by her husband Tom Rule, and their 3 sons, Brock, Bryan and Brett. Brock and Tami Rule of Prairie Village, Kansas have 2 children Erica and Lindsey. Erica (Rule) Wren is married to Mike Wren. Their 2 children are Kate and Jack. Lindsey (Rule) Boswell is married to Cody Boswell. Their 3 children are Arlo, Tillman and Sigri. Bryan Rule of Chicago, Illinois is married to Pam (Krugman) Rule. Their 2 children are Sydney and Spencer. Brett Rule of Charlotte, North Carolina is married to Elizabeth (Smith) Rule. Their 3 children are Taylor, Duncan and Holly.
The family would like to thank Maripat Pena and Anthony Rowell for their hard work and kind care for Beulah and Tom during her last days.
Donations in Beulah's memory can be made to GlenHaven Church, 4301 NE Vivion Rd., Kansas City, MO 64119, or In As Much Ministry, c/o Debbie Soendker, 2050 Plumbers Way, #190, Liberty, MO 64068.
"May the Lord's countenance shine on you forever."
