Ruth Gibbs Lovaasen

Ruth Gibbs Lovaasen, 85, of Temple left this earthly life on July 29, 2009. Funeral services will be held at Scanio Harper Funeral Home in Temple at 10:00 A.M. on Friday with Scott Meyer officiating. Mrs. Lovaasen was a descendant of Texas pioneers, as her great-grandfather served in Sam Houston's army and was the first settler in Burnet County. Born Ruth Holland Gibbs on November 23, 1923 to Clane and Alta Gibbs, she spent her childhood years in Burnet, Texas. After graduating from Burnet High School, the then Miss Gibbs moved to Austin and worked for the Walter Tips Hardware Company. While in Austin, she met Bennie Lovaasen of Park River, North Dakota and they were married on July 19, 1952. Shortly thereafter the couple moved to Temple, where Mr. Lovaasen served in the Fire Department for 29 years. Mrs. Lovaasen was employed at Stavinoha's Hardware, American Mayflower and Dillards Department Store in her many years of bookkeeping and treasury work in Temple. She also attended both Temple Junior College and Mary Hardin Baylor. A member of Western Hills Church of Christ for over 50 years, Mrs. Lovaasen loved receiving visits from her church brethren in her later years. She was also active in Eastern Star and was a founding member of the Temple Fire Fighters Ladies Auxilary. Perhaps her greatest passion, apart from her family and friends, was collecting bells. She loved adding to her collection of nearly 1000 when a friend or family member would return from a trip with a bell in tow. She was a charter member and past president of the Texas Chapter of the American Bell Association. During the final years of her life, Mrs. Lovaasen benefited from in-home care and later resided at Hearthstone. The family extends its gratitude to all of those who provided care and visits during those difficult years. Mrs. Lovaasen was preceded in death in 2002 by her husband of almost 50 years, Bennie. Survivors include a son Grant Lovaasen of Rowlett, Texas and his wife Cleann; a granddaughter, Amanda Kraemer of Fate, Texas and a great granddaughter, Kyleigh Kraemer. A private burial will be in the Holland Cemetery near Burnet at a later time. Memorials can be made to the Love of Christ Center or to Cherokee Children's Home.