Ruby Lee Rhyner

Ruby Lee Rhyner, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on August 8, 1933, in Malone, Texas, in the Hill County, Ruby - affectionately known as "Lee" - was the youngest child of Gus and Martha Krueger. She grew up on a cotton farm alongside her older siblings, Felix and Ruth Ann. At the age of nine, her family relocated to Waco, Texas, where she spent her childhood surrounded by cousins and extended family.

Lee’s early years were shaped by her deep faith, education, and love for her community. She attended Trinity Lutheran Church School before continuing her studies at Waco High School, where she played volleyball and was active in youth groups. Among her classmates was Ann Richards, the future governor of Texas. Lee graduated in 1951, and throughout her life, faith and family remained her guiding forces.

Following high school, she attended 4C Business School and began working for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. In 1956, fate intervened when she met a charming young Air Force lieutenant with a great sense of humor at a bowling alley in Waco. That lieutenant was Daryl Rhyner. They had a whirlwind six month courtship and were married in November 1956. For their honeymoon, they traveled to New Orleans, where they saw Fats Domino perform their favorite song, Blueberry Hill.

Lee and Daryl quickly embraced the life of a military family, moving frequently as Daryl’s Air Force career took them across the country and abroad. A year after getting married, they welcomed their first child, Pamela Kay. In 1960, they were stationed at Alconbury Air Force Base in England, where they welcomed their second child, Daryl Jr., in 1963. Their return to the U.S. saw them stationed at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, followed by assignments at Maxwell AFB in Alabama and Bergstrom AFB in Austin, Texas. In 1968, Daryl was sent to Vietnam, and Lee remained the pillar of strength for their family, ensuring their children thrived despite the challenges of military life and the hardships of her husband flying active combat missions during the war. As always, she leaned on her family & church for strength & support.

After Daryl’s retirement from the Air Force in 1977, the Rhyner’s settled in Fort Worth, Texas, where Lee supported her husband’s career as a tax auditor while continuing to dedicate herself to family life. In 1996, they retired to Sun City in Georgetown, to be near grandchildren. Lee and Daryl spent their days playing bridge, enjoying time with friends, playing golf, and creating cherished memories with family. They also attended countless soccer games and tournaments over the years and attended many school events as well. Lee was devoted to her grandchildren and they loved visiting her. They spent afternoons at the Sun City community pool, and went rollerblading under the pavilion, and enjoyed “Gigi’s” delicious home-cooked meals.

Lee’s love for family was unwavering. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always putting the needs of others before her own. She found immense joy in hosting family gatherings, especially during the holidays, preparing feasts that filled the house with warmth, laughter, and delicious leftovers that were enjoyed for days. Her extensive and seemingly endless desserts became legendary.

In 2020, Lee and Daryl relocated to Southwest Austin to be closer to their daughter. There, they continued to enjoy life together, with Lee and Daryl devoted to one other as always.

Lee was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Daryl Rhyner; her parents, Gus and Martha Krueger; and her siblings, Felix L. Krueger and Ruth Ann Kurt. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Gary Massman; her son and daughter-in-law, Daryl Jr. and Debbie Rhyner; her cherished grandchildren, Jeff Massman (Jennifer), David Massman, and Tamara Massman; and her five adored great-grandchildren, Shepherd, Ruth, Caleb, Asher, and Eva.

The family will have a small Celebration of Life gathering on March 29th at Pam Massman’s home in Dripping Springs from 2-5pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Faith Lutheran Church in Georgetown, Texas; honoring Lee’s lifelong devotion to faith, family, and community.