Ruth Schoenemann

Ruth Catherine Struwe Schoenemann passed away November 21, 2017 in Brenham at the age of 103.

Graveside services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at Prairie Lea Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday at Memorial Oaks Chapel.

Mrs. Schoenemann was born October 14, 1914 in the Prairie Hill Community of Washington Co. to William Robert and Bertha Spiering Struwe. She was baptized Dec. 6, 1924 at St. John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill by Rev. P. Apfelbach. She attended public schools in Belton and Brenham, and graduated from Brenham High School. She also attended Blinn College, Texas Lutheran Junior College, and the University of Texas. At Texas Lutheran, she sang in the Acapella Choir, giving converts at churches and universities. She worked as a secretary to the Washington Co. Home Demonstration Agent for two years.

Ruth became a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1927, and sang in the junior choir. She was confirmed April 13, 1930 by Rev. Arthur Hartman. She taught Sunday School and Bible School, and held offices in various church circles, of which she was a charter member.

Ruth and Burford Schoenemann were married October 14, 1936 and lived in Brenham for most of their married life. They were blessed with four children to whom Ruth devoted much time and love.

She was a loving homemaker for most of her married life. In 1954, she helped Burford establish the Brenham Rest Home, of which he was the first owner and manager. She also assisted with the operation of their restaurant.

Ruth was a lifelong supporter of the Brenham Maifest, with her daughter Diane serving as Senior Queen in 1957. As a result of her untiring support of the Maifest, she was inducted into the Brenham Maifest Hall of Fame.

A talented seamstress, Ruth enjoyed sewing dresses and formals for her daughters. As a sophomore in high school, at age 14, she won first place on all of the garments she sewed, which entitled her to attend the Girls State Clothing Contest in Dallas.

Ruth adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her greatest pleasure was having family gatherings each year for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. She gifted all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with beaded Christmas stockings.

She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Larry (Corliss) Schoenemann; sister, Ruby Luedeman; niece, Marilyn Dominque, and grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Burford Schoenemann; daughter, Diane Schoenemann Moore; son Gary William Schoenemann; daughter Suzanne Schoenemann Johnson; son-in-law Dr. Edward Durron Johnson, and great-grandson, Thomas Scott Moore.

Also preceding her in death was her brother, Walter Struwe, and sister, Bowie Castleberry and husband, Marce.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brenham.

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

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