Ruth Schoenemann

Essie Ruth Kennedy Schoenemann, 91, a longtime resident of Washington County passed away on October 27, 2023. At the time of her death, she was residing in a care facility in Temple.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday November 2, 2023, at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine. Burial will be in Loewe Family Cemetery off Schoenemann Road in Sandtown. There will be a visitation from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. on November 1 at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham.

Ruth, as she was known to her friends and family, was the only daughter of James and Essie Kennedy. She was born on February 4, 1932, in Walnut Springs, Bosque County, Texas. Ruth's father died before she entered elementary school. Her widowed mother was left with three children, Ruth and her two older brothers. Ruth's mother who was partially impaired by a chronic physical condition relied on Ruth's maternal grandparents for assistance with raising the children.

Ruth graduated from Walnut Springs High School in 1949. During her high school years, Ruth played on the girls' basketball team and was a member of the yearbook staff.

While attending a party, Ruth met Virgil Spence whom she married in 1951. They made their home in Hearne where they raised their two children, Virgil Bryant Spence, Jr. and Beverly Ruth Spence. Both children graduated from Hearne High School.

In 1986, Ruth met and married Herman Schoenemann, Jr. and moved to Brenham. The couple began their life together by "dancing and traveling" which they continued to do for the many years that followed. Ruth also enjoyed taking part in Herman's ranching activities.

Ruth worked for Brookshire Brothers in Hearne until her retirement.

Ruth was an excellent seamstress and cook. She loved entertaining and prepared all the food served at her parties. Ruth made suits and dresses for all her children's formal affairs while they were in school. She also enjoyed working in her flower beds, the results of which proved worthy of a prize from the Garden Club.

When Ruth married Herman, she gained four "bonus children" whom she loved as her own. She enjoyed visiting with them wherever they lived.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Herman Schoenemann, Jr., her brother Lester Ray Kennedy, her brother James Edward Kennedy and her son Virgil Bryant Spence, Jr.

She is survived by: Beverly Mathis and husband Mike, daughter-in-law Catherine Spence Worthington, stepson Marty Schoenemann and wife Janine Brown, stepson Cliff Schoenemann and wife Julie, stepdaughter Pam Rosas, stepson Trent Schoenemann, 13 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine - https://mllccarmine.com/online-giving/, Walnut Springs High School, Hearne High School, any library of your choice; or any animal rescue of your choice.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main St., Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, please visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.