Ruth Gurka

Ruth Ann Gurka, 77, wife of Frank Gurka, passed away September 29, 2018 in St. Joseph’s hospital in Bryan, Texas.

Ruth Ann Gurka was born November 19, 1940 in Brenham to Otto and Lorine Wendler Haarmeyer. She married Frank Gurka September 20, 1959 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brenham and remained a member there until the time of her death. Ruth was active in the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church of Chappell Hill as well and served on various committees, assisted with the annual bazaar, bingo, care of the alter, and religious education programs at both churches. Ruth was honored with the Lumen Gentium award by the Catholic Diocese in 2015 for her dedication and church involvement.

Ruth continued her work as God’s servant in the community by serving the elderly, disabled, and less fortunate. Her life was dedicated to helping others and her spirit was strong. She rose to ownership of AMA Home Care, Inc. where she exceeded in business, winning many awards and honors, due to her true love of her clients. Her clients knew they could depend on her to advocate for them and give them the best care she possibly could. She instilled these values in her daughter, Mary, who now continues her mother’s work of service to the community at AMA Home Care.

Survivors include her husband, Frank P. Gurka, son Paul Anthony Gurka of Chappell Hill, daughter Mary Frances Gurka of Brenham, brother and sister-in-law Otis and Diane Haarmeyer of California, sister-in-law Barbara Gurka of Chappell Hill, numerous nieces and nephews, and her extended family, the staff and children of AMA Home who affectionately knew her as “Mee Maw”. Pallbearers are Joe Gurka, Alvin Gurka, Paul Derkowski, John Haarmeyer, Roy Haarmeyer, and Donald Wayne Wendler.

Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 4, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with burial to follow in the St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery in Chappell Hill.

Memorials may be directed to the Parkinson’s Foundation, St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Brenham, or St. Stanislaus Church of Chappell Hill.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Leal for his care during Ruth’s illness.

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

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