Ruth Irene Mendenhall

Ruth Irene Mendenhall was born to Otto and Ada Bergstraesser on September 12, 1929, in Lincoln, Nebraska. They preceded her in death as did her brother Walter Bergstraesser of Syracuse, New York. Ruth graduated from the University of Nebraska in the spring of 1950 and married Gerald Mendenhall on April 5, 1953. He too preceded her in death in 2014 after 61 years of a loving marriage.

Her interest in social problems led to work as Teen Age Program Director of the YWCA in Lincoln, Nebraska and case worker for child and family services in Norfolk, Virginia. Years later she retired as an MISD teacher in 1993. She was also an active member of Midland Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday school and singing in the church choir.

Ruth dearly loved her family: daughter, Susan Benham of Midland, Texas; son, John Mendenhall and wife Weiling of Austin, Texas; granddaughters, Erin Pommeranz of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; Sara Benham of Burlington, Vermont; Grace Mendenhall of Austin, Texas; and grandson, Miles Mendenhall of Austin, Texas. She also adored her two great-grandsons, Benjamin and Nathan Pommeranz of Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

A very special thank you to Angels Care Hospice for their compassionate, steadfast support, and loving care to our Mom. The family will gather for graveside committal services at Resthaven Memorial Park. Any memorials can lovingly be sent to All Saints Anglican Church, 1000 Upland Street, Midland, Texas 79703.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.

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