Ruth G Brunk

Our family was blessed to be by her side as she left our hands and was given to God. She was an extraordinary woman that took care of her family and friends. She loved her family unconditionally and was always there for us. Ruth was known as the communicator. She always kept in touch with everyone with cards and letters daily and never missed a birthday or special event. In her late 80’s she wrote and published her life story.

Ruth was born to Ella and August Bute in 1921 in Clatonia, Nebraska. She was one of seven children. Her mother’s family the Krauter’s, has a long standing history in Nebraska. After her parent’s sudden death in 1930, Ruth and three of her siblings went to live at the Tabitha Home, a Lutheran orphanage in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was later raised by the Brinkman’s in Fort Smith, Arkansas and adopted by them.

Her adopted mother, Lena Brinkman would have service men over from Camp Chaffee for Sunday meals after church. One very special soldier who came to dinner was Robert Brunk from Toledo, Ohio and so began the courtship. They were married in Fort Smith, September 7, 1947. They returned to Toledo after the honeymoon to begin their life.

Ruth and Bob built a beautiful home for their three girls and a successful music store business in Temperance, Michigan. The family was active in the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Temperance.

The family spent summers together on Deep Lake at our summer home, fishing, sailing and water skiing. Ruth and Bob blessed their children with activities such winter ski trips, and traveling. The family enjoyed traveling to Florida every winter to visit the Brunk family and one very special 6 week cross country trip to visit Ruth’s family.

Ruth and Bob retired to Seminole, Florida. For 33 years they were active members of Christ the King Lutheran Church as well the Elks Lodge. They devoted their time and resources to help others and were loved and respected by many. They enjoyed events at the Elks Lodge and spent countless hours with their favorite pastime, dancing to Big Band music. They were excellent dancers and would glide across the floor as they were one.

After Bob Brunk passed in 2005, Ruth moved to Adrian, Michigan close to her daughter Sharon. She made many friends and enjoyed the Crosswell Opera House. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. After 6 years she returned to Clearwater, Florida close to her daughter Pat. She lived in the Oaks of Clearwater and her apartment overlooked the beautiful Clearwater Beach intercostal.

Everyone who knew Ruth considered her a very special lady and will always remember her. She is survived by her three daughters Pat(Naylor), Sharon(Blackmar) and Nancy (Bollin), her brother Ralph Bute. We were so blessed to have two wonderful parents and now Mom is with the love of her life, our Dad.