Ruth (Berns) Szentes

Ruth was born to Peter and Johanna Schaefer Berns in Bayview, Wisconsin on January 17th 1920. She is predeceased by her parents, step-father, Walter Seib, her husband, Alvin Szentes, her sons, Alvin Szentes, Jr., Robert D. Szentes, her brothers, Darwin Seib, Melvin Seib, and Kenneth Seib. Ruth is survived by her brother, Gordon Berns, sister, Doris Feavel, granddaughter, Sherri Soffe, grandson, Robert B. Szentes, Jr., 4 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and her friends who will truly miss her sweet smile and sparkling blue eyes.

To say that Ruth lived a long life is an understatement. The oldest of 4 brothers and 1 sister, she met the love of her life when she was just barely 18 and still in high school. It was love at first sight for Grandpa but if you asked Grandma, she says it took a bit of time for her to agree with Grandpa. Grandpa quickly married her and they had two sons, Alvin, Jr. and Robert that they loved immensely and unconditionally and raised to be wonderful young men. The family set their sights on the warm weather of Texas. They bought their first and what would be their final home in San Antonio back in 1953. It was a marvelous family life where the boys truly had a childhood. Grandpa taught them to camp and fish and Grandma taught them to cook, clean, and behave respectfully. As the boys got older and onto lives of their own, Grandpa decided he and Grandma should try square dancing and round dancing. The two of them square danced and round danced together on a regular basis for nearly 40 years! After Grandpa retired from the USPS they bought an Airstream travel trailer and traveled all over the United States. They enjoyed every moment of the 65 years together. Ruth had many talents and interests in her lifetime. She enjoyed cooking, reading, sewing, crocheting, knitting, playing bridge and other card games, bowling, line dancing, exercising, ceramics, quilting and gardening. “Ruth”….which means “grace” in the bible, received blessings from God she did not merit. The most prominent theme about the Ruth in the Bible is her loyalty to her family and God. The Ruth I am speaking about is my Grandma Ruth and she could not be more like her namesake. Grandma was loyal to everyone God placed in her pathway especially her family and she never stopped worshipping God. Ruth was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church for over 60 years. I love this about my Grandma. I also love that she attributes her longevity to her faithful friends, John O’Larnic, Elia Medrano, Elma and John Dallmann, her caregivers the last 2 years. I would also like to thank Debbie and Dorian Matei, who cared for Ruth the last 2 months of her life. Ruth enjoyed Steve Wood’s homemade soups (Yes…she had a personal soup-chef). Ruth went to an exercise class twice a week, had oatmeal, one cup of coffee and a banana for breakfast every day. She would take several 20 minute catnaps each day and had a Hershey chocolate bar at 7 pm every night before bed. If this is all it takes to live 102 year and 9 months…I’m all in!

Seriously though, Grandma you had a splendid, purposeful and meaningful life. You will always be a “living legacy” of the power of prayer and being thankful and grateful to God for all he provides which certainly is a life of merit! I know without a doubt you have already heard the words we all long to hear when God calls us home. “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

A funeral service for Ruth will be held Wednesday, November 30, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2507 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio, TX 78229.