Ruth Ann Bruning

Ruth Ann Wachtendorf Bruning was born on July 20, 1935 to Gus and Anna Mae (nee Pagel) Wachtendorf in Moulton, Texas. She was baptized into the Christian faith on October 20, 1935 at Zion Lutheran Church in Moulton. Ruth and her future husband, Jeffrey Stuart Bruning, were confirmed together on March 21, 1948 at Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Houston.

Ruth graduated from Milby High School in Houston and attended Rice Institute (now Rice University) where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. At Rice, she was a member of the Lutheran Student Association. She graduated from Rice and married Jeff the same weekend on June 3, 1956.

Ruth was a 3rd grade teacher, until 1958 when their marriage was blessed with the birth of their first son Stuart.

Bruce was born in 1960 and in 1962 the family was transferred to Tennessee where their third son David was born in 1964. The young family returned to Houston where they joined Salem on November 28, 1965. Ruth became an active member of Salem; teaching Sunday school, leading women bible studies, serving in the LCW group and serving on the Chancel committee. In 1972 the family suffered a major tragedy when Jeff died unexpectedly as a result of a heart attack. Ruth faced the tragic loss bravely. With the help of her parents, Jeff’s family, and her extended Salem family, she devoted herself to caring for and raising her boys.

She initially went to work part time with Fluor Credit Union in 1974 and ultimately retired from Fluor / Houston Federal Credit Union after more than 20 years as a loan officer and teller. She found great fulfillment in her job and treasured the many friendships she made while there.

Ruth remained an active member of Salem, but as her health declined in recent years, (including the loss of her eyesight), her activity at Salem was reduced and she was mostly homebound. The occasional outings she would make for Wednesday Bible study and lunch or dinner with her Salem friends were some of her favorite times.

Through the years Ruth’s support of her sons’ baseball activities in Meyerland Little League and Bellaire High School turned her into an avid baseball fan. She still enjoyed rooting for her Astros, listening to the broadcasts on the radio, and talking Astros baseball with Pastor Roschke on his home visits.

Although she had suffered several years of deteriorating health, Ruth died unexpectedly on Monday, July 19, 2010 in Houston. She will be buried alongside her husband at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.

She is survived by her children: Stuart and his wife Terrie of Spring; Bruce of College Station; David and his wife Suzi of Missouri City; by her grandchildren Jeffrey Stuart Bruning III and his wife Jessica, Rachel Lynne Byers and her husband Brandon, Matthew Kyle Bruning and his wife Jessica, Katherine Grace Bruning, Bryan Clinton Bruning and his wife Lindi, Ryan Christopher Bruning, Kathryn Ruth Bruning and Michael Benjamin Bruning; and seven great grand children with one more on the way.

Visitation will be held Sunday, July 25th at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, 6700 Ferris, from 2:00pm – 5:00pm. The funeral service will be held at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4930 West Bellfort Avenue, Houston, TX 77035 on Monday, July 26th at 11:00am. Graveside service will follow at 2:00pm at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church.