Wayne Eugene Ruhter

He is survived by his brother Dale Ruhter and his wife Terri of Falls Church, Virginia, and their son Joel Ruhter and daughter Nina Hallissy; brother Neal Ruhter and his wife Linda of Springfield, Missouri and their sons Chris and Tim Ruhter and daughters Joy Herzog and Karalyn Larson. His wife, Susan, died in 2020.

Wayne grew up in the Los Angeles area. After finishing Downey HS, he attended Claremont Men’s College, graduating with a degree in economics. He then pursued his PhD. at UCLA, where, as a graduate teaching assistant, he received the highest student rating of all TA’s and professors. It was while teaching at UCLA that he met the love of his life, Susan Diana Stoll, an undergrad attending one of his classes. The couple married in 1972 and enjoyed a marriage that lasted 48 years.

While finishing his PhD, which he received in 1976, Wayne launched a career teaching economics at the University of Texas in Dallas. He later served as a presidential fellow at the U.S. Department of the Interior and went on to work for the Public Utilities Commission in Arizona. Later, he entered the world of consulting and ultimately formed his own economic consulting firm, Ruhter and Reynolds, along with his long-time business partner, Helen Reynolds. An astute economist, Wayne was known for his acumen as an expert witness and was sought after to testify in civil litigation.

Wayne became a friend of Bill W. in the mid-eighties and over the next three decades, sponsored scores of individuals on their personal journey through AA. In his later life, he was confirmed into the Catholic faith and became a devoted member of St. Rita Catholic Church in Dallas. He enjoyed reading, gardening, travel and the arts, including concerts, plays, and museums. He was a Texas booster whose eclectic tastes ranged from the opera to the rodeo, the state fair, and automobiles. He had a special place in his heart for his parents’ home town of Minden, Nebraska. A dapper dresser, Wayne was a good listener, a lively conversationalist and a generous host. He remained gracious and selfless to the end.

If considering memorial donations, the Dallas 24 Hour Club and St. Rita Catholic Church are suggestions.

A visitation for Wayne will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a rosary service at 7:00 PM Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at St. Rita's Catholic Church, 12521 Inwood Rd, Dallas, TX 75244.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Ruhter family.