Gertrude Ruhter

Barrington, Illinois,GERTRUDE MARIE RUHTER Gertrude was born on December 12, 1916, to William C. and Clara (Brandt) Schultz in Garland, Nebraska. She was born again in the washing of Holy Baptism on December 26, 1916, at Zion Lutheran Church in Garland, Nebraska. Gertrude was united in marriage to Vernon A. Ruhter on August 27, 1939, at Zion Lutheran Church, Garland, Nebraska. She served along with her husband, a Lutheran parochial school teacher, at congregations in Scribner, Nebraska; Gillett, Arkansas; Murphysboro, Illinois; and Hoffman, Illinois; at the Lutheran Child Welfare Association (Kinderheim), Addison, Illinois; and at Walther Lutheran High School, Melrose Park, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband on February 24, 1965, after 25 years of marriage. Vernon and Gertrude were blessed with four children: Ruth Ann (Frank) Stautzenberger, Don F. (Carol) Ruhter, James A. (Nanette) Ruhter, and Cheryl J. (Fernando) Garcia. Gertrude?s life was also enriched by the love of Lois (Jerry) Branstrator who was as dear to her as a daughter. Gertrude was further blessed with seven grandchildren: Amy (Kyric) McMillan, Allison (Ernest) Rufleth, Nathan Ruhter, Daniel Garcia, Laura Garcia, David Ruhter, and Emily Ruhter; and four great grandchildren: Sean McMillan, Ava McMillan, Charles Rufleth, and William Rufleth. She is survived by one brother Omar Schultz; two sisters, Esther Van Soelen and Berdine (William) Priegnitz; and one sister-in-law, Ella Schultz. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Hubert Schultz, Leonard Schultz, and Victor Schultz. At the time of her death, Gertrude had been a faithful member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Barrington, Illinois for over 25 years. During her life, she was also active in the Lutheran Women?s Missionary League, Hospice of Barrington, Meals on Wheels, Barrington Area Council on Aging, and St. Matthew?s Mother?s Club. She enjoyed travel and visiting with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Worship for Shut Ins, 3225 Crescent Ave., Ft. Wayne, IN 46805; Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center, St. Louis, MO 63141; and St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 720 Dundee Road, Barrington, IL 60010.

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