Ruth Riehart

Ruth Riehart, 95, of Pampa, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024 in Pampa.

Memorial services will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 16, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. Michael Erickson, officiating. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Ruth was born on November 9, 1928 in Henryetta, Oklahoma to Dewey Manila and Hazel Mariah Kindred Parker. She was the oldest of five children. Ruth attended high school in El Paso before continuing her education at the University of Tulsa. While at the University of Tulsa, she was a voice major and a history minor, two passions that she pursued for the rest of her life. Ruth met the love of her life, Bruce Riehart, while working at Frank’s in Tulsa. They were married on June 19, 1953 at the Grace Lutheran Church in Tulsa. In 1955, they moved to Pampa when Bruce was transferred from Frank’s to the Cabot Corporation. She was a devoted member of the Zion Lutheran Church.

Ruth was very involved in her community, volunteering with numerous organizations including the PEO, the Pampa Community Concert Association, the Twentieth Century Cotillion Study Club, the Madrigal Singers, and the Amarillo Symphony Chorus. She also served in many capacities with her church by chairing the Altar Guild, teaching Sunday school, and singing in the choir. Ruth worked at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Day School for several years and adored seeing her former students. She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed attending gem and jewelry shows with her mom. Ruth also enjoyed traveling with Bruce to different countries and to see family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Bruce Riehart; her parents, Dewey and Hazel Parker; one son, Eric Bruce Riehart; and one brother, Tommy Parker.

Ruth is survived by her three daughters, Laura Lum and husband Stephen Lum of Prosper, Sara Rogness and Dr. John Rogness of Lexington, Kentucky, and Anna Taylor and husband Dr. Robert Taylor of Pampa; seven grandchildren, Paul Logsdon of Arlington, Emily Brown and husband Wayne Brown of Lewisville, Erik Rogness and wife Katie Rogness of Lexington, Kentucky, Benjamin Rogness of Lexington, Kentucky, Brice Stormer and wife Dr. Susan Stormer of Portland, Oregon, Ashlei Hastings and husband Cameron Hastings of Amarillo, and Abigail Wilson and husband Dakota Wilson of Pampa; one great-grandchild, Annalei Wilson of Pampa; and three siblings, Michael Parker, Suzette Lounsbury, and Nancy Parker.

The family would like to thank the staff at Meredith Court where Ruth resided for the last year. The caring atmosphere of the whole Meredith Court community made Ruth and the family feel welcome. Special thanks and appreciation to the dedicated and compassionate caregiving team who seemed to go above and beyond every day.

Memorials may be sent to the Pampa Community Concert Association, 808 W Francis Ave., #129, Pampa, Texas, 79066.