Ruth Bethke

Ruth Bernell (Dube) Bethke, 86, of Brenham, passed away peacefully early Sunday, March 25, 2018 at Kruse Village in Brenham.

Ruth was born in Dime Box, Texas on January 31, 1932 to Herman and Louise (Reuther) Dube. She was baptized on February 14, 1932 and later confirmed May 20, 1945 at Trinity Lutheran Church of Dime Box by Pastor Paul Brust. After graduating as Salutatorian from Dime Box High School in 1948, she attended Clifton Junior College and the University of Texas at Austin. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas School of Nursing in Galveston before marrying her sweetheart and husband of 61 years, Wayne Bethke. They were married in a double wedding ceremony, along with her sister, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dime Box, on March 29, 1953. Ruth was a compassionate caregiver to many throughout her life.

While Wayne was serving overseas in Guam, Ruth worked at the V.A. Hospital in Houston, and later Memorial Hospital in Huntsville. After moving to Corpus Christi in 1966, Ruth worked at Spohn Hospital and was an instructor of Pharmacology and Vocational Nursing at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. When her family moved to Brenham in 1971, Ruth taught Vocational Nursing at Blinn College-Brenham. She worked as a home health nurse, and later became an Instructor of Health Occupations in the Brenham Independent School District, later serving as full-time school nurse for over 14 years.

An avid homemaker, Ruth enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing, and caring for her family. She served her church in many capacities, as member of the Ladies Circle and Vacation Bible School teacher. Ruth spent the last years of her life in a nursing center, where she continued to spread joy to others through her generous spirit and sweet smile.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Donna Hinze, Carol Mueller, Lynne and Andy McCartney, and Lori and O’Brien Hughes; grandsons Brandon Mueller and wife Sarah, Tyler Hinze and wife Lyndsay, Matthew McCartney, and Liam Hughes; great-grandchildren Michael and Taylor Hinze, and Braxton Mueller; sister and brother-in-law Delores and John Pace; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Raymond and Pat Bethke; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; parents Herman and Louise Dube; brother Herman Dube, Jr.; son-in-law Gary Hinze; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ruth and Erwin Koslan; and sister-in-law Delores Billig.

Funeral services will be held at Grace Lutheran Church at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 28, 2018. Pastors Matthew Jacobs and William Holzer will officiate. Burial will be in Prairie Lea Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday at Memorial Oaks Chapel.

Serving as pallbearers are Brandon Mueller, Tyler Hinze, Matthew McCartney, Tommy Stevenson, O’Brien Hughes, and Andrew McCartney.

Memorials may be given to Grace Lutheran Church, Lutheran Hour Ministry, or charity of choice.

Funeral arrangements for Ruth Bethke are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.

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