Ruby Brenneman

RUBY BRENNEMAN

Kalona

Ruby Arlene Brenneman, 81, formerly of Ventura, Calif., passed away Saturday, April 15, 2017, at Pleasantview Home in Kalona.

She was born Dec. 2, 1935, in rural Wellman, Iowa, to Norman and Katie (Swartzendruber) Brenneman. Ruby graduated from Iowa Mennonite School in 1954 and Eastern Mennonite College, Harrisonburg, Va., in 1961, with a B.S. degree in elementary education. She served as a teacher in voluntary service in Stanfield, Ariz., from 1961 to 1962, and as a hostess for Mennonite Central Committee in Akron, Pa., from 1965 to 1967. She taught at elementary schools in Iowa and then in California over a span of 30 years.

She made her home in Ventura, Calif., where family visited often, and enjoyed delicious meals, day trips and picnics to the beach, and trips to Disneyland for her nieces and nephews. Ruby attended First United Methodist Church in Ventura, then moved to Iowa in 2013 and became a member of Wellman Mennonite Church.

Ruby's hobbies were singing, gardening, listening to classical music, and following draft horses.

She will be missed for her beautiful hand-written letters, her infectious laughter, soprano voice and her curious and adventurous spirit. Ruby led a joyful life of unceasing prayer of thanksgiving.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother-in-law, Ernst C. "EC" Berger.

She is survived by her brother, Keith and Mary Brenneman of Peoria, Ariz.; sister, Nedra Berger of Missouri City, Texas; six nieces and nephews; and 10 great-nieces and great-nephews.

A celebration service is pending.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Iowa Mennonite School.

Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona is in charge of arrangements. www.powellfuneralhomes.com