Ruthanna Droke

Beloved mother and grandmother, Ruthanna Callens Droke, 100, was called to eternal life on Friday, March 13, 2026. She was welcomed into the world by Inez Priscilla and Earl S. Callens on January 10, 1926, in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Ruthanna was a graduate of Tecumcari High School and went on to serve as a Teacher’s Aide for Austin High School. She leaves behind countless memories, among them her passion for art. Ruthanna was a gifted painter and received numerous artist awards. She was a proud member of the Rio Bravo Watercolorists, Pastel Society of El Paso, and Plein Air Painters of El Paso. Ruthanna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Cleon Wesley Droke, Sr., whom she married on May 7, 1944. Left to cherish her memory are her loving children, Cleon Wesley Droke, Jr. (Kay) and Nancy Ruth Droke. Ruthanna will be remembered by her grandchildren, John Droke (Gina), Leah Gutierrez (Raul), Shannon Gillespey (Anthony), Casey Mehl (Laura), and Kimberly Wright (Landon). She also leaves behind great grandchildren, Austin Gutierrez (Madison), Adyn Gutierrez, Daniel Mehl (Yizel), Christian Mehl, Cody Jenkins, Hannah Gillespey, Landon Gillespey, Caleb Wright, Joshua Wright, William Wright, Alan Droke (Jennifer), and Tyler Droke. Ruthanna also leaves behind great-great grandchildren, Scottie Gutierrez, Jordan Droke, and Archer Wright.

A celebration of Ruthanna’s life will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 10am to 12pm with a Memorial Service at 10:30am at Funeraria Del Angel Evergreen East, 12400 Montana Ave, El Paso, Texas, 79938.