Ruth Justine Duderstadt Bettge, 88 passed away on September 11, 2012. She was born in Meyersville on December 31, 1923 to the late Richard "Dick" and Frieda Hartman Duderstadt.

Ruth was a fourth generation Texan and her ancestors were some of the early settlers of this area in the 1850's. She grew up on the family farm and ranch, attending the Meyersville School on horseback. She helped round-up cattle on her Shetland Pony, Billy. She would help her Grandpa, Dad, and Uncle Alois drive their herd to Upper Meyersville to the dipping vat. She attended high school in Cuero and graduated in 1941. While in High School she took guitar and piano lesions from her Aunt Tillie. For Recreation the young people enjoyed playing volleyball in Meyersville on Thursday nights. Ruth is the great granddaughter of Pastor Chirstoph Sager who founded the Meyersville St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1851 (the first Lutheran Church in DeWitt County and one of the first Lutheran Churches in Texas). She worked with the Sager family reunion to preserve the legacy of this family. She was baptized, confirmed, and married in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. She married Chester H. Bettge on July 22, 1945. She was active in various community projects having served as Women's ALC president and vice president. Ruth was secretary for Education and Stewardship in the Victoria Conference. She taught Sunday School for 13 years and served as Junior Lutheran Leader or teacher for 20 years. She was active in the Altar Guild, prayer chain, choir, participated in the sermon tape ministry, and Communion ministry, and evangelism visitation. She served as president of the Old Stone Church Historical Committee for 10 years. She was an adult 4-H leader and received the first Alumni Award in DeWitt County. She was a member in the Cuero Garden Club, DeWitt County Historical Commission and the DeWitt County Wildflower Association. She served on the Advancement Council and was a life member of the Director's Associates of the Lutheran Seminary of the Southwest, Austin, TX. Her ministry in life was seeking the Kingdom of God, visiting the sick, sharing Christian Literature, sharing her flowers and God's love with others. Her hobbies included sewing, quilting for Lutheran World Relief, photography, playing "42" dominos, bridge, swimming and gardening.

She is survived by daughter Hazel "Joy" and husband Art Meadows; son, Richard "Dickie" Bettge and wife Cathie, grandson, Ryan Meadows; granddaughter Lisa Kincart, husband Barry, Angie Arnold, husband Todd , and great grandchildren Justine Kincart, Lincoln Kincart and Jack Arnold.

Ruth's parents and husband preceded her in death.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to Mary Galindo for all her help.

Pallbearers are Art Meadows, Barry Kincart, Todd Arnold, Joel Egg, Wyatt Hassel, and Leon Dohmann. Honorary Pallbearers: Kurt Hartmann, Jr., Paul Bettge, Pastor Bill Hassel, cousins, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 14, 2012 from 5:30-8 pm, at Freund Funeral Home. Services will be held Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 2 pm at St John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Meyersville with Pastor John Boor officiating. Interment will follow at St John Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to The Old Stone Church or donor's choice.

You may sign the guest book or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.

Freund Funeral Home 361.275.2343.