Ruth Ann “Ruthy” Gripon Wittenburg died on Jan. 17, 2024, at the age of 91.
Ruthy was born April 5, 1932, in Houston to Lee and Ruth Gripon.
She spent most of her young life in Houston attending camp every summer in Hunt at Camp Arrowhead. When she was 12, her father – a civil engineer – rejoined the Army and was sent to Germany. As a result, Ruthy spent a good deal of time living and traveling in Europe. She attended Heidelberg High School in Germany, where she and other students were featured in Life Magazine.
Upon returning from Germany, she spent time at Hockaday School for Girls in Dallas before her family settled in Lampasas. Ruthy quickly acclimated to small-town life and was a cheerleader, member of the Slap Happy Seven, and state president of the Future Homemakers of America. She graduated as salutatorian of the Lampasas High School Class of 1951 and attended The University of Texas briefly (only because women weren’t allowed at Texas A&M).
From a young age, Ruthy told her mother she dreamed of marrying a cowboy. She met her cowboy, Joe Morgan Wittenburg, and they married in May 1952. After another few years in Germany as a married couple, they began their life together on the Wittenburg family ranch.
After 10 years of marriage, Ruthy and Joe began adopting children: David was first, born in 1962, and Donna followed in 1964. Alex joined the family in 1967, then Leslie followed in 1969. Then, after 19 years of marriage, Ruthy gave birth to Michelle in 1971.
Ruthy devoted her life to her family, friends and her faith. She enjoyed all the school activities that came with five children. She loved spending time with her friends in supper club, and she became an excellent cook and hostess. She especially loved the mountains, spending time in Ruidoso with Joe, and making memories with her kids, grandkids and friends.
Survivors include four children and their spouses, Donna Wittenburg, Alex (Rita) Wittenburg, Leslie (Kevin) Spraggins and Michelle Wittenburg; a daughterin- law, Cindy Wittenburg; grandchildren Kristen Wittenburg, Tara (Jeff) Garnett, Leyna (Tim) Brewer, Kenda (Kyle) Southern, Brynn Wittenburg, Lauren, Grayson and Aidan Spraggins, Laura Beth (Anthony) Henniger, and Caleb, Joshua and Mathew Wittenburg; greatgrandchildren Jackman, Wyatt, Briggs and Elle Garnett, Ellis Bingham, and Gracen Brewer.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Joe; and her son David.
Visitation will be Jan. 21 from 5-7 p.m. at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas.
Funeral Mass will be held Jan. 22 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Lometa at 10 a.m., with interment immediately following at Senterfitt Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Catholic Church or the charity of one’s choice.
