Ruth Tollefsbol
1925-2017
Ruth Tollefsbol, 92, of Houston, Texas passed away peacefully on August 18th, 2017. She joins in death her husband of 56 years, Orion Tollefsbol. She is survived by her children Terry and wife Veronica, Petra McCarthy, Tony and wife Janis, Trygve and wife Lucy, Orie Harris, Tracey and Tia; grandchildren Tara Elliot, Jeremy Tollefsbol, Trevor Tollefsbol, Jeffrey Tollefsbol, Ryan McCarthy, Lyndsay Longley, Jacob Harris, Kara Harris, Stephanie Kohl, 13 great grandchildren and very special friend Cagle Bernard.
Ruth was born in Franklin, Virginia to Albert and Ruth Wade. She had one sister Mary Alice Cotton. Ruth had an amazing life and was part of "The Greatest Generation". She worked on the Manhattan Project during WWII in Oak Ridge, Tennessee where she met her husband Orion, an engineer who worked on the same project. After the war, she devoted herself to her family and raising seven children. She retired from JC Penney after a successful career. Ruth loved her family, cooking, playing the piano and her beloved dog Prancer. She was a wonderful cook and made the best fried chicken in the world. She was a member of Covenant of Faith United Methodist Church pastored by Luther Walker.
She was an inspiration to all of us. Ruth loved life, people and animals and was a lifelong learner as evidenced by her prowess on the computer, searching the internet at age 85. She always took care of everyone's needs before hers, insisting she should be served last at every family gathering.
We are so blessed to have had her in our lives as she was the perfect mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
The family would like to acknowledge the loving care and friendship provided by Rosslyn Kennedy for the past four years.
Visitation will be conducted on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at 5PM-8PM at South Park Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be conducted also at South Park Funeral Home in the chapel at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 23, 2017. Burial will be at South Park Cemetery following the Funeral Service.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Aug. 21, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Tollefsbol

Sponsored by South Park Funeral Home and Cemetery - Pearland.

11 Entries

Rosslyn Kennedy

August 15, 2025

In loving memory of my dear friend Ruthie, affectionately known to me and my family. And the Tollefsbol family for trusting me to care for mom. What a precious soul you were, we often talk about the memories we made with you.

Janice Surrency

August 19, 2021

Thinking of you and missing you. Your beauty, thoughtfulness and kindness was always evident to your family and all who knew you. May God bless and keep you eternally. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.

John Strand

August 26, 2017

What wonderful memories I have of Ruth from the visit my sister, Marlene, and I made to Houston in May of 2016 Ruth recognized us and was engaged and participating all the days of our visit. She and her family were so very welcoming and made our visit wonderful. Rest in God's peace, Ruth.
John Strand

Celeste Kelly

August 23, 2017

Terry and all the family, my mother, Jessie T. Cobb, and I were deeply saddened to hear of Zip's passing and we know she will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her. We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you. We love you all.

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Cynthia Sweet

August 23, 2017

Dear Ryan, Petra, and all the Tollefsbol family,
I have heard many endearing stories about your beloved grandmother/mother over the years from Ryan and our daughter, Laura. I only talked with her once, when she kindly called me after my mother died. I know she has been the beloved center of your family in so many ways. We send our sympathy and love, Cynthia and Clyde Sweet

Rosslyn Kennedy

August 21, 2017

To the family of my dear friend Ruth, who I affectionately called Rutie. Thank you for allowing me to care for and to spend time knowing Ruth.
We shared many times of laughter, singing and dancing. Rutie loved on my children, friends and grands whenever they were around. She will be greatly missed.

Dennis & Carol Tollefsbol

August 21, 2017

I have many wonderful memories of Ruth. Most of them center around the time Carol and I started vacationing in Texas. I can remember visiting her for a lunch. You would think she had roller skates on because she moved so fast and non-stop.

Carol and I loved her with all our hearts. We will miss her dearly.

Dennis & Carol

Katherine Heim

August 21, 2017

" Your grandmother sounds like a wonderful person Lyndsey...What wonderful memories she left you with. It appears that Heaven needs her more now. Thank you for sharing your memories with us..."

Janice Surrency

August 21, 2017

So sorry to hear of the passing of "Grandma Tolley" as she was known to all. She was a beautiful person and had a beautiful spirit. I will truly miss her. My deepest sympathy to all the family. I know she is with God now and her earthly suffering is over. God bless her and all her children, grand and great grandchildren.

Celeste Halata

August 21, 2017

Our deepest sympathy to Terry & Vickie and all the family. Mrs. Tollefsbol was a wonderful person. She did everything so well. She was very strong and courageous; a great example for all of us. She always rembered all my children's names. May all the wonderful memories bring you peace and may you find comfort in knowing she no longer has to suffer. Love and prayers to all of you.
Richard and Celeste

Bonita Hart

August 21, 2017

Mrs. Tollefsbol will be greatly missed. She put up with so much from Tia and I as kids. We probably added a few extra grey hairs. She was such a soft spoken lady and set an excellent example of what we girls only hoped to grow into as adults. She is deeply loved. It was a privilege to know her for all of these years.

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