Ruth Charlotte Kerns

Ruth Charlotte Kerns, age 95, of Katy, Texas passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024. She was born in Cherokee, Iowa and moved to Rock Rapids, Iowa as a young girl. Later as a young adult, she lived with her sister, Margaret Tennant, in Chicago, which is where she met her husband, Robert (Bob) Kerns while working as a USO Hostess when he was in the Army. They were married in 1955 and spent 36 years together until his passing in 1991.

Ruth graduated from high school and went on to earn an associate’s degree from junior college in Sioux Falls, Iowa. She was an executive secretary/administrative assistant, and worked for Brown & Root for many years. Strong in her faith, Ruth was a dedicated Catholic all her life, up until she was no longer able to drive.

She had a group of women from high school that she stayed in touch with called the “Whipper Snappers,” served on the Catalina Square board for the home association, and as a big animal lover, volunteered at CAPS, an animal rescue organization.

She really loved her animals. Since getting married in 1955, she had at least 8 dogs (6 of which were German Shepherds, with Rebel and Sam being two of her favorites), 11 cats, and no goldfish. At one point, Ruth had close to four cats at once—one of her most cherished kitties was a Siamese cat named Popcorn.

Ruth also enjoyed watching television, with some of her favorite shows being mysteries, Masterpiece Theater, British programs such as Upstairs Downstairs, as well as All Things Great and Small, and other shows about animals. Ruth was known for being an avid reader, and loved all types of literature, but especially mysteries. Some of her favorite pastimes included visiting her family, sewing (having made many a Halloween costume), and watching the Aggies and Texans play football. She was a HUGE fan of Texas A&M, where many of her kids graduated from, and at one point, she and Bob had season tickets to the college football games.

When her children were still young, she often took them to the beach, and after Bob passed and she retired, Ruth went on a few more trips—most notably going to Egypt and seeing the pyramids in person. Ruth also had the opportunity to visit Europe quite a few times (England, Scotland, Ireland, and Italy), and travelled across the U.S. with an Elder Hostel group.

Ruth is preceded in rest by her husband, Robert Kerns, and her sister, Margaret Tennant. She is survived by her son, Charles Kerns (wife, Sheila) of Simonton, TX; her daughters, Brenna Norwood (husband, Steve) of Fernandina Beach, FL, Kathleen McNair of Plano, TX, Patricia Miata (husband, John) of Houston, TX, and Susan Baber (husband, Robert) of Highlands Ranch, CO; her grandchildren, Shanna Norwood, Sean Norwood, Donovan McNair, Kevin McNair, Kelly Miata, Tony Miata, Michael Miata, Jacy Baber, and Kinsey Baber; 3 great grandchildren and many other family members and friends, all of whom will miss her dearly.