Mrs. Ruth B. Lauter

Mrs. Ruth B. Lauter, 85, of Washington, passed away Sunday, September 6, 2015, at the Waterford Assisted Living Center in College Station. Visitation with family and friends will be held from 5:00 – 7:00pm Tuesday, September 8th at Nobles Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 9th at 11:00am at Friedens Church of Washington U.C.C. with interment to follow in the church cemetery. Rev. Greg Felder will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Nobles Funeral Chapel.
Ruth was born December 10, 1929, in Washington, TX to Edwin & Lydia (Goeking) Borgstedte. She was baptized January 26, 1930, by Rev. A Blome and confirmed April 2, 1944, by Rev. Paul Pipenbrock in Friedens Evangelical and Reformed Church. Ruth was educated at the Washington Public Schools, Navasota High School and Blinn Junior College.
On August 15, 1948, she married Gilbert Lauter at Friedens Church. Three daughters were born to this union: Inez, Judy and Jean. They raised their family in Navasota. She was room mother, Camp Fire Girls leader and council member, part-time bookkeeper and a second mom to many.
In 1968, the family transferred to Conroe and became members of the First United Methodist Church. After Gilbert’s retirement from Gulf States Utilities in 1986, they returned to Washington and were reunited with Friedens Church where she had been pianist, choir member, Women’s Fellowship secretary, Sunday school teacher and served on various committees. Between 1987 and 1991 she served as church secretary.
Ruth was an active member of the VFW Auxiliary to Post #4006. She served as District 17 President (1997-1998), Grimes County Auxiliary President (1998-2000 and 2008-2010), State Flag Bearer, State Historian and seven State Chairmanships. She was awarded first place at State and National Conventions as District Deputy Chief of Staff. During her tenure she met many new friends that she held near and dear to her heart.
She was a member of Sons of Hermann Lodge #178 and Gulf States Sideliners Retirement Club, past member of the Texas Soil and Water Conservation and the Washington County Cattle Women.
Ruth is survived by 3 daughters and sons-in-law: Inez & Glenn Fuqua of Navasota, Judy & Gary Bogan of Washington, and Jean & Jesse Mitchell of Sugar Land; 5 grandchildren: Brian & Erica Bogan, Brad & Sherri Bogan, Wade & Tonya Fuqua, Lauren & David Keef, and Christine & Eric Williams; 6 great-grandchildren: Cameron & Hayden Bogan, Addie & Kaylin Bogan, Waylenn Fuqua, and Emily Keef.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 59 years, Gilbert.
Ruth, Mama, Mother, Mom, Mimi, Grandmommie was a special human being. She was a proud and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, and friend. She had a positive attitude about life and was interested and open to new people and exuded happiness to everyone. She was a “good buddy.”
Serving as pallbearers are Brian Bogan of Magnolia, Brad Bogan of Washington, Wade Fuqua of Navasota, David Keef of Keller, Eric Williams of Missouri City and Cameron Bogan of Magnolia. Honorary pallbearers include Harold & Johnnie Mae Kolkhorst of Houston and Bill & Chris Pettit of College Station.