Joan R. Ruestmann

Carta Joan Rowe Ruestmann, 98, of Plano, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. She was born on June 24, 1926, in Streator, Illinois, to the late Eairel and Carta Rowe. Joan grew up in Minonk, Illinois, as an only child. She learned to play organ and piano at a young age and was the organist at a church in Minonk during her school years. Joan was a 1944 graduate of Minonk High School, where she met her future husband, Gene Ruestmann. She went on to earn her three-year nursing degree in 1947 from Methodist Hospital of Nursing in Peoria, Illinois.

On September 5, 1948, Joan and Gene were married in Minonk, Illinois. His work at Safeway moved them to Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas, before they eventually made Texas their home in 1975. They had two children, Jane and Jim, to complete their family. Joan was a wonderful wife and mother, devoted to her family and her work, and was truly the rock of the family. She was the epitome of the 1950s working woman, gracefully balancing the demands of home and her career. Joan began working at Plano General Hospital (now Medical City Plano) of Hospital Corporation of America when it opened until her retirement in 1991. Her lifelong dedication to nursing and improving the lives of others resulted in her receiving the Frist Humanitarian Award just before her retirement.

Joan enjoyed staying active and was involved in many social groups throughout her life. She loved traveling the U.S. and internationally with her family and friends. Joan especially relished her trips to Alaska, the Panama Canal, and Europe. Joan cherished her faith and was a member of First United Methodist Church in Plano for many years. She was a charter (founding) member of Chapter FA of the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO); she also served in multiple officer positions. Joan lived at Solstice Senior Living for the past ten years, where she was a friend to all. She was the first to welcome new residents and make them feel at home with her friendly and warm personality. Throughout her life, she loved playing bridge and spending time with friends. She lived her life with a positive mindset and a grateful heart. Amid adversity throughout her life, Joan always persevered. Her easy-going, hopeful approach to life provided her an abundance of joy and strength, and taught those around her to do the same. She was kind and caring; she deeply loved her family and friends (who often became family). Joan will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Ruestmann, in 1978. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jane Ruestmann and Monte Borders of Denton; son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Sharon Ruestmann of Plano; grandchildren Steven Borders (Erika De Los Rios), Jordon (Jonathan) Ruff, Maggie Borders (Jessy Changstrom), Jake (Jennifer) Ruestmann, Sydney Ruestmann (Ronin Klos), and Sophia (Landon) Carpenter; great-grandchildren Nieko Borders, Jorge Brito, Riley Ann Berry, Jenny Ruff, Emma Borders, Hannah Borders, Mason Ruestmann, Anabelle Ruff, Lucas Ruestmann, and Kenna Carpenter.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 19 from 2-4pm at Solstice Senior Living, 1940 W. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX 75023. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Philanthropic Education Organization at www.peointernational.org or to First United Methodist Church of Plano at www.fumcplano.org.