Ruthie Jo Stamnitz (Alvis)
Ruthie Jo Stamnitz (Alvis)
January 4, 1946 – November 21, 2017
After a yearlong battle with lung cancer, Ruthie passed away peacefully at her home in Bertram, Texas, surrounded in love by her daughter, Windy, and all of her animals including her favorite dachshund, Prescott.
Before she became ill, Ruthie experienced many things in life. She enjoyed working with people, talking to them and helping them. Her most significant endeavor was as a home health provider in which she visited the homes of folks who needed help with everyday life complexities as well as insuring they were getting the proper healthcare they needed. Ruthie also worked at a group home, taking care of several folks that required special care and attention. She loved it. Her clients became her family and she took care of them just as if they were her own. It was some of the most rewarding work she had ever attempted and you could tell how much it meant to her when she spoke of it. That was Mom though; it's what she did and how she lived.
Ruthie began to have breathing difficulties a few years ago, which was diagnosed as COPD. The condition slowed her down but did not keep her from enjoying life. Mom and Dad made several trips to various casinos as they have always enjoyed doing. They went for drives in the country and made the most of life together. The last several months had been difficult for Ruthie but she never complained or was cross. Mom did what she always did in difficult situations; she kept a positive attitude, did her best to work through the problem and while doing so she was always intent on making those around her comfortable and happy. Mom never met a stranger; she would talk to anyone like she knew them all of her life. This trait would become most evident in the final year of her life as she made so many new friends at the Cancer Center in Georgetown and Estrella Oaks. Doctors, nurses, and patients all knew her and together they took a bad situation, made it a pleasant and uplifting experience. Mom was very outgoing and she enriched all the lives she touched with fun, zaniness, love, laughter, caring, and kindness. Ruthie was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. We will miss her dearly.
As Ruthie moves on to much better things, she leaves behind her husband, Richard P. Stamnitz Jr.; daughter Laura (Windy) Stamnitz and s/o Chris Calhoun; son Richard P. Stamnitz III (Bubba) and wife Suzanne Stamnitz; Ruthie's sister, Mary-Ellen Overstreet (Alvis) and husband Lester; grandchildren Ricci, Sam, Paul, and Jenna; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and great grandchildren.
Mom adored Suzanne, who was always right there taking her to all of her appointments and spent a lot of time with her; they had a lot of fun together. We are all grateful for her and the love and support she gave Mom. She has a beautiful heart and soul, just like Mom.
Mom also leaves a multitude of friends who have always been more than just that, they are our extended family. We love them all so much and thank them for their love, friendship, and support. Ruthie held a special place in her heart for Pat and Lee Nusbaum of Smithville, Texas; Jonell and Daniel Clawson of Hutto, Texas; as well as their children. They are all our family.
Finally, the family wishes to thank the folks at Wesleyan Home Health and Altus Hospice. They were excellent in providing treatment and companionship to Mom. It's a tough job and they were wonderful. Thank you all so very much.
When you think of Ruthie, please don't be sad. She would want you to smile and be happy, just as she always was. She loved you all and is with you. Be of good cheer!
A memorial service will be held in Ruthie's honor in December in Georgetown. Family and friends will be notified as to the exact date and time as soon as it can be determined.
