MASON Marnelle Ruthven of Mason passed away Monday, July 22, 2014. Marnelle was born April 20, 1946, in Houston to Dorothy and Elwood Bernhausen. She was a Navy brat and grew up overseas and throughout the United States. After high school, she attended classes at The University of Texas in Austin. Marnelle married Dr. Glenn "Penny" Ruthven Sr. on Oct. 26, 1968. Marnelle was a devoted, wife, mother and grandmother. She was a court appointed child advocate with CASA for many years and then upon moving to Mason, she was the founding executive director of Bluebonnet CASA. Marnelle was an avid athlete. She competed as a figure skater in her youth, loved to play tennis and was a marathon runner. She loved to bird hunt and was accomplished with a shotgun. She was an active member of Philanthropic Educational Organization and enjoyed her time serving with them. She loved her friends, enjoyed the "Not So Serious Book Club," her Study Club and the community of Mason. Her favorite place on earth was sitting on the porch of their ranch house outside of town. She was preceded in death by her mother and father. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Glenn A. Ruthven Sr. of Mason; a son, Glenn Ruthven Jr. and wife Conny of Austin; two daughters, Robyn Yim and husband Peter of Houston and Amy Holck and husband Jeff of Colorado Springs, Colorado; a sister, Kelly Blankenship and husband Larry of Moody, Texas; and seven grandchildren who loved their "Lela" very much. Visitation with the family will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Mason Funeral Home. Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 25, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. The family suggests memorials be to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486, gifts.mdanderson.org/; or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family online at masonfuneralhome.net. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Mason Funeral Home.
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2 Entries
I am a better human being after knowing Marnelle who fought her illness with class and dignity. I will miss her dearly. My deepest condolences to Penny and her family.
Cipriano Gonzalez
July 26, 2014
Marnelle was such a good person,fought such a tough battle with cancer, we will miss her. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Patrick Padon
July 24, 2014
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