Mildred Ruth Claunch

Mildred Ruth Claunch, 87, passed away on February 12, 2010.

As a long time resident, Ruth, raised her family and enjoyed the many friendships gained during her 54 years of living in Brownsville. Ruth lived in Brownsville from 1955 until 2009 when she moved to be closer to her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents Keifer and Edith Billings and her beloved husband Madison Matt Lockhart Claunch.

Ruth is survived by one sister, Lois Bissett two sons and their wives, Gerald Madison Jerry Claunch and wife Carol son Christopher Edmond Chris Claunch and wife Karen. Ruth is also survived by her six grandchildren Kathy Moore, Michael Claunch, Theresa King, Corey Claunch, Kevin Claunch and Kyle Claunch as well as one precious great grandchild, Madison Moore and much extended family and beloved friends.

Born December 14th, 1922 in San Antonio, Texas, Ruth eventually moved to Beeville, Texas where, during her teen years she met and fell in love with Matt. They married in 1942, while he was in the U. S. Army Air Corps. Shortly after the war, with their first son, Jerry, they moved to the Rio Grande Valley, where their second son, Chris was born in Mercedes, Texas. Living in Edcouch, San Benito and eventually Brownsville, Ruth and her family began a wonderful life where, as a wife of a Land Surveyor, she enjoyed the tropical weather, raising her family, playing bridge with her friends and devoting her time to her many activities.

Ruth contributed to the Brownsville community for many years with a zest for life and gift of encouraging all she was around. She deeply and loyally loved her family and friends while always holding those around her to a standard of truth and kindness. She had a love for the little things in life as well as the grand enjoying beauty, talent, gardening, good food, dancing and good conversation. She had a passion for genealogy and held great pride and admiration in her Texas heritage. As a friend described her: Ruth was not jealous or selfish or impatient. She was the kind of friend that helps you become the best person you could possibly be.

Ruth was an active member in the PEO, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the Pan American Round Table, and the Gotta Dance Group. Over the years she was involved in numerous social groups, as well as supporting the Gladys Porter Zoo with her husband.

She was a loving and giving person with a kind and gentle soul. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother who would give anything for the happiness of her husband, sons and their children. She believed in family, and always thought of others and her family before herself. She was Ruthie, Mom, Grandma, Mee Maw and Grammie. She was the epitome of Love. She will be missed.

We are all better for having had her in our lives and are comforted that she is in Heaven holding Dads Grandpas Kong Pas hand and dancing and laughing, as she loved to do.



A viewing will be held Friday, February 19, from 5pm to 8pm at the Darling Mouser Funeral Home in Brownsville, Texas. The Funeral Service will be held Saturday, February 20, at 2 pm at the Darling Mouser Funeral Home. A graveside service will immediately follow at Buena Vista Burial Park.
Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Claunch, Corey Claunch, Kevin Claunch, Kyle Claunch, John Moore, and Ryan King
Honorary Pallbearers will be Hilario Ybarra, and Jimmy Platt

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to one of the following:
American Lung Association National Headquarters
1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 800. Washington, DC 20004
202 7853355
American Cancer Society Texas Division 2433 Ridgepoint DriveA Austin, TX 78754
The Salvation Army World Service Office International Disaster Relief Fund P.O.Box 630728 Baltimore, MD 212630728

Visitation

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Friday, February 19, 2010
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Service

Funeral Service

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Saturday, February 20, 2010
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Buena Vista Burial Park
5 McDavitt Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78521

Memorial Contributions

Texas Division
Austin, TX  78754


National Headquarters
Washington, DC  20004


World Service Office International Disaster Relief Fund
Baltimore, MD  21263