Lernie Buel Ruthven

“Semper Fi” He was in the USMC 2.5 years active duty and active reserve 14 years. Lernie’s memberships and affiliations include: Life member of the Outdoor Nature Club and Director of the Conchology group, Houston Audubon Society and Texas Gulf Coast Birding Association. He was an Endowed and Life Member of Reagan Lodge #1037 AF & AM, Past Master of Reagan Lodge. He was a Recipient of the Golden Trowel Award and served as Leader of the Reagan Robe Degree Team. He was also a member York Rite, Knights Templar, Texas Lodge of Research, as well as Houston Heights Chapter #258 Order of the Eastern Star. He was a proud graduate of John H. Reagan Senior High School Class of 1953. Lernie’s professional career was in the industrial and graphic arts field with the majority of his time being employed by Southwestern Camera Company. His interests included shell collecting, bird watching, and photography. He and Liz enjoyed many trips together exploring nature and the out-of-doors; especially shores, beaches, crashing waves, and tides.

Lernie is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 69 ½ years, Elizabeth Ruthven. Daughters Rozanna Ruthven, Lisa Ruthven-Rubalcava and husband, Joaquin Rubalcava, Jr. Nieces Carolyn, Rachel, Sarah, and Leslie and nephews Bill, Dale, Darrell and numerous great nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son, Lernie Buel Ruthven Jr., parents WW and Sarah Ruthven of Elgin, TX, twin sister Pernie Jewel Dunson, Geraldine Withers, Betty Heidemann, and brother Edwin Ruthven. Lernie will be remembered as a caring and devoted husband and father to his family.

A gathering in remembrance will be announced in the near future.

In lieu of floral tributes, please consider making a donation in his name to the SPCA of Houston or the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center.