Ruth Marie Fortune

A life-long, native Austinite, born at the original Brackenridge Hospital, Marie was the baby in a family of eight children. She graduated from Austin High School in 1959.

During her senior year of high school, all dressed up, beautiful Marie went into Baker’s shoe store on Congress Avenue to try on a pair of penny loafers. There she met a handsome young shoe salesman who announced, “he was going to marry that girl”! Within two weeks, they were dating, and on June 20, 1959, they became Mr. and Mrs. James Fortune. They were blessed in the coming years with two children, Rex and Yvonne.

Marie was a beautiful woman, both inside and out. She possessed a servants’ heart in Christ, showing that love to family, friends, and her church family. Marie was a charter member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, she became known as the “Candy Lady” at church, with children (and adults) rushing to her side following the church service to get their weekly piece of candy. Jim and Marie also hosted the church’s annual Fish Fry for 35 years at the Fortune family home.

A devoted wife and business partner to her husband Jim, she supported him through his UT education, later working side-by-side in establishing their business of building custom homes and churches in the greater Austin area. Marie wore many hats including a caregiver, errand runner, house cleaner and accountant. Marie was Jim’s steady rock.

Marie’s love language was cooking and sharing with others and her family favorites being Mamaw’s fried chicken, homemade Italian sauce, Osta kaka, and Swedish Rye Bread. In everything Marie did, she was a gentle, gracious, kind and loving soul. Marie has a special gift of making others feel both loved and included. Marie was the matriarch and glue of the family. Marie made this world a better place for all who have been blessed to know her.

She is survived by her son Rex (Sheila), daughter Yvonne (Bobby), and sister Laurice. A beloved MaMaw to her grandchildren, Shawn (Leslie), Shannon (Justin), Lacee, Chance, and Kylee; and great-grandchildren Brynlee, Kaelynn, Kynzlee, and Zae; along with numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jim of 55 years, and siblings.

Marie will be laid to rest at Cook Walden / Forest Oak Cemetery (6300 W. William Cannon Drive) in Austin, Tx on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 10:00 am. A memorial and celebration of life service will be held at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran church (3525 Bee Caves Rd, Austin) Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 2:00 pm. A reception and visitation with family will be held immediately following the memorial service in the church’s gymnasium. Funeral arrangements have been handled through Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home at 2620 South Congress, Austin.

The family would like to give a special word of thanks to Rosie, Heather and especially Melissa Wells, who so lovingly and beautifully cared for our mother these last three months.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that memorial contributions be made to Bread For All, Meals on Wheels – Austin TX, or a charity of choice.