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Ruthe Winegarten Obituary
Ruthe Winegarten saved stories of Texas women.
By Stephen Scheibal
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Ruthe Winegarten's legacy will probably be the stories she saved about the women who made Texas. But for her friend Virginia Raymond, Winegarten's own impact was no less important.
Raymond remembers the Austin author sitting one day among a group of women, listening to each introduce herself politely, "careful not to hog the floor." Winegarten soon chastised them for their daintiness.
"We needed to know what work each other did, and not hang back or be modest out of some misguided politeness or anti-elitism," wrote Raymond, a doctoral student in the University of Texas English department. "At such moments, Ruthe wasn't the feminist ideal of my generation (concerned about process, solicitous, concerned about everyone's feelings . . .), but the older, ferocious, take-no-prisoners kind of feminist warrior who knew what we were up against."
Winegarten, an activist author who wrote 18 books focused mainly on Texas women's history, died Tuesday in Austin. She was 74.
Winegarten's influence and history ranged well beyond her writing. Among other projects, she worked as a research historian for the Texas Women's History Project, which former Gov. Ann Richards helped organize.
"Ruthe Winegarten was a scholar and an enormous influence on the history of Texas women," Richards said Tuesday. "Her commitment to having the stories of women's lives be a part of our history was a driving passion in her life. We owe her a debt for her work and her friendship."
Winegarten, born in Dallas in 1929, began her public life as an activist. She worked on the 1946 gubernatorial campaign of Homer Price Rainey, a former University of Texas president who was fired when he refused to censor liberal professors and texts.
Winegarten even briefly served as a poll tax collector, before the U.S. Supreme Court declared the poll tax unconstitutional. She went on to fight segregation and improve services in a neglected part of Dallas.
Having received a bachelor's degree in anthropology from UT, she helped lead Dallas' Jewish Welfare Federation and served as director of the Dallas Regional Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith office, pausing in between to earn a master's in social work from UT-Arlington.
She became a writer in the early 1970s, taking doctorate-level classes at UT-Dallas. She began collecting oral histories and then wrote books about black and Hispanic women in the state, as well as other groups that helped shape Texas' history without getting much attention from its historians.
"She was tireless in terms of trying to bring to light the histories of people and the lives of people who had been forgotten," said Theresa May, assistant director and editor-in-chief of the UT Press, Winegarten's publisher.
"I think she was the best kind of role model because she was never pushy or abrasive. She was just persistent . . . A very gentle woman but not one to be trifled with, either."
Winegarten's daughter, Debra Winegarten, said her mother had suffered from depression for several years before she died. The Travis County medical examiner's office said Tuesday that the cause of death appeared to be suicide.
She is survived by her children — Martha Wilson, Marc Sanders and Debra Winegarten — as well as her daughter-in-law Cynthia Huyser, brother Larry Lewin and numerous extended family members.
A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Mayfield Park, off 35th Street near Laguna Gloria.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruthe Winegarten
Sponsored by the children of Ruthe Winegarten.
Jan Statman
August 26, 2012
Some friends are so amazing that they are always in our thoughts and in our hearts.
Gloria Jean Kee
September 12, 2010
Dear Debbie,and Marc,
I just learned of the loss of your mother, whose big smile I remember well. May her soul rest in peace. I send you love and big hugs. Please contact me.
Gloria Jean Kee
September 12, 2010
Debbie, Your mother was a special woman; I am sorry to learn today that you lost her and I want you to know I am sending you love and strength and a big hug and a smile.
Jan Kireilis
August 29, 2010
Dearest Deb,
You are remarkable as was your mother. I want the time to know you better.
Your cousin through Lottie.
Love, Jan
Mary Diane Hausman
August 26, 2010
Dear Ruthe, I did not know you, but I read your books years before I met your daughter. Thank you for your guidance, and thank you for your legacy, your work for women, and your beautiful daughter, Devorah.
Love, Light and joy forever!
Mary Diane Hausman
Frieda Werden
June 14, 2010
Enchanted Rock! perfect. Love forever, Frieda
Emma Linn
August 27, 2009
I loved Ruthe. We had so many good times, laughing. telling stories and debating. Emma Lou Linn
Jan Kireilis
May 21, 2009
Debbie, Johnanne and I will be in Austin tonight (May 21st and tomorrow May 22nd). If you still have the things for Johnanne, call me on my cell 806-787-9109. If not, that is OK. We probably have waited to long. Jan
Frieda Werden
September 1, 2008
What a great woman Ruthe was! I was so privileged to know her, and her children, too.
Jan Kireilis
February 6, 2008
Martha, Marc and Debbie, We were so saddened to learn of Ruthe's death and sadder still that we are not in touch. We must not let family slip away. Such memories we have your wonderful mother. Johnanne and I are so grateful for that trip to Austin and the wonderful meal that Ruthe prepared for us. Please get in touch with us. Love, Jan and Johnanne
Lynda Lieberman Baker
January 21, 2008
I adored and admired your mom and I just chanced upon this guest book quite by 'accident' so i knew I needed to write a note in in - frankly I think of her every time I drive by Keasby which is quite frequently
Elaine Largent Whiteley
May 12, 2006
Martha, Marc, and Debbie,
I happened upon this guestbook and wanted to let you know how truly sad I was to hear of your mother's passing. I have many, many happy memories of growing up with your family. I will never forget your mother's smile and the sound of her laughter. She was definitely an influence in this young girl's life.
Gayle Coleman
April 28, 2006
You don't know me, but your mother wrote about my mom, Julia Scott Reed in her book "Black Texas Women-150 Years of trials and triumph". My mom passed away on Oct. 19, 2004, so I can relate to your loss. I was trying to find out some information about your mom and found that she had passed. I'm sorry I didn't try to find the information sooner.
God bless you and your family
elliott polaniecki
April 21, 2005
Debbie -
If you're still checking this site, I wanted to extend my condolences on your loss, of which I just read on-line today. I was cleaning up my office and found your book on Katherine Stinson. My autographed copy must be worth a fortune!
Happy Pesach, and drop me a line and let me know you're OK. Best regards, Elliott
Gabriela Gonzalez
November 22, 2004
I will miss Ruthe. Her dedication to Texas women's history and to a life of constant inquiry and discovery is inspiring. Ruthe pursued this life despite great struggles, and I salute her for her courage, dedication, and strength of character and conviction -- the conviction to live a life governed by the principles of personal and professional integrity, service to others through an impressive body of work in history, tolerance, and the spirit of true fellowship shared with all of those whom she mentored. May she rest in a much deserved peace.
Jan Humphrey
July 5, 2004
Ruthe was an inspiration to me and to many other women who had stories to tell. She dedicated many years to the task of making sure these stories were heard and appreciated. She was my friend, too, and I shall miss her very much. I am proud of the courage with which she lived her last months.
terri rector fann
July 4, 2004
What a tremendous loss. I was so hoping that the news would be better. Then at the memorial I was briefly rejuvenated. It was a privilege to know Ruthe at all; clearly she was a complicated woman. Hugs and sympathy to Debbie and Cindy. Terri Rector Fann
Sarah Jacobus
July 2, 2004
Ruthe was an important bridge in my life between the world of my growing up Jewish in Dallas and the world I sought as an adult. She was an integral part of my exploration of Texas Jewish women's history and my own cultural and political identity.
I am stunned and deeply saddened by news of her death and appreciate this opportunity to be part of an extended community of family, friends and admirers
Janis Stinson
July 1, 2004
To the family of Ruthe,
I just learned of Ruthe's death today and am still in shock. I enjoyed so much working with Ruthe on "I Am Annie Mae". Ruthe was a wonderful person. She would always send me little notes whenever she came to see a show I was doing. I am really saddened to hear of her death. You have my deepest sympathy. I do have some photos that I will add later of Ruthe, myself, her son (who played piano for me once on a project) and Annie Mae Hunt.
Sylvia Rogers
June 19, 2004
My sympathies to her family.
Regan Brown
June 18, 2004
Ruthe, I wish I had known you better. I met you in the last two years of your life as part of a group of women writers, and you seemed tired and overwhelmed by your health issues. Reading all the tributes, I get a sense of what you must have been like in your prime. Clearly, you live on in the hearts of many. Bless you for all the women you mentored, and all you did to tell the stories of so many who might otherwise have remained unheard. I hope your soul is at peace now.
John W. Stanford
June 17, 2004
Several years ago Ruthe came to San Antonio accompanied by her daughter Martha. I was privileged to attend the talk she gave here and will always remember the occasion. Ruthe made contributions to the struggle for equality and to Texas history, contributions that will grow in importance over the years.
Statman Jan
June 17, 2004
Ruthe was an amazing woman who led a remarkable life. She reached out and touched the world. Max and I are better people because we knew her and proud that she called us her friends. We will all miss her wisdoma and her wit. Our hearts go out to her family. She loved you all so dearly. Jan Statman
Hollace Weiner
June 17, 2004
We are indebted to Ruthe for uncovering Texas Women's History as well as Texas Jewish History. Many a time, I have poured over Ruthe's research folders on file at Texas Woman's University in Denton and at the Center for American History at UT Austin. She not only published important stories, but she left her notes in public repositories so that others could follow her trail and make further inroads.
When I spoke with her last fall asking her assistance on a project, she said she was too ill to be a contributor but would gladly serve on the advisory committee. Her input was invaluable. Her contributions will be missed.
Martin Kohout
June 17, 2004
On behalf of the staff of the Texas State Historical Association and the Center for Studies in Texas History at UT Austin, I'd like to express not only our great sadness at Ruthe's death, but also our gratitude and appreciation for her work and dedication. We will miss her.
Barbara Rosenberg
June 17, 2004
Ruthe Winegarten will live forever through her published work. Not only did she write about amazing women, but in 1990 she co-authored the groundgreaking text on the history of Jews in Texas, opening many eyes to the accomplishments of previously overlooked Texans. The research from that book, Deep in the Heart: Lives & Legends of Texas Jews, formed the basis for the Texas Jewish Historical Society's archives at UT's Center for American HIstory.
When I visited Ruthe in her home on some business for the TJHS, we sat in the casual living room, and as she spoke against the backdrop of her floor-to-ceiling wall of books, that picture seemed to epitomize her character--Ruthe and books. Not only did she understand the power of words and use them to extoll others, she also encouraged so many others to do the same.
Ruthe represented the very best of liberalism and honored virtue in all backgrounds. I will never forget how moved I was while viewing a production of her play, I believe it was called, My Name Is Annie May. I sat next to a Black man who was in tears at the intermission. I was sure that Ruthe had captured a universal story whereby he had seen his own mother in the role of the main character. I do hope that play can be revived again.
Debra, your mother was a great lady. I was privileged to have known her.
Dina Samfield
June 17, 2004
To Ruthe's family: Your mother was my landlady many years ago on Keasbey Ave. I remember how she delighted in my little garden plots (even though the squash beetles decimated our summer squash that summer...) She made me feel as if I were doing her a favor by digging around in the yard and growing cacti in that little greenhouse.
Some of the most exciting moments of my life were attending the opening of the Women's Texas History Project and getting to meet, through my sister Frieda and Ruthe, two Women Air Force Service Pilots and Annie Mae Hunt. Ruthe and Frieda opened my eyes to the best of Texas' history--I'll never forget how much Ruthe affected my life.
Elizabeth Pugliese
June 16, 2004
Although I never got to meet Ms. Winegarten, as a female historian, her work was an inspiration. She will be missed. My deepest sympathies to her family.
Susan Rogers-West
June 16, 2004
For Ruthe, Much Loved and Missed. Our prayers go out to the family.
Margaret Sanders-Rogers
June 16, 2004
Marc, Martha, and Debbie, Ruthe was a dear friend to me;I am so sorry about her death. My prayers are with you all.
Anne Blocker
June 16, 2004
Ruthe Winegarten was like a comet in my life. Over thirty years, she did not come around very often, but when she did, she brought both light and intensity. She invited me first to solve university problems in Dallas she fiercely considered her own. I knew her next in Austin when she and Mary Beth Rogers were unwrapping family treasures protected by shower curtains, revealing the meanings of the lives of women. I remember she stayed up all night reading every word as I wrote, questioning every assumption, arguing every point, wanting to know the source of every inspiration. I knew her most recently when I dropped out of public life to become a caregiver and she recruited me by email to help on Winegarten projects. Ruthe taught me that just because you know something doesn't mean you have to write about it. I think of her often as I write. I know how much her family and friends will miss her.
Audrey and Louis Kariel
June 16, 2004
Louis and I are so sorry about Ruthe's death. We have lost a good friend, and Texas has lost an outstanding author and historian. We have wonderful memories of her visits to Marshall when she was writing "Deep in the Heart." Our deepest, heartfelt sympathy to her family...Love, Audrey and Louis Kariel, Marshall, Texas
Cynthia Beeman
June 16, 2004
Ruthe was an inspiration to us all. I don't know if we can even count the number of people now working in Texas women's history who started along that path thanks to her. She truly was godmother to us all. She never wavered in her tireless and tenacious quest to document the contributions of women, and for that we can all be eternally grateful. I will miss her friendship, her laughter, and her constant prodding to get the women's stories told. She leaves an incredible legacy. There are many, many heavy hearts today, but in tribute to her we will continue the work she began. She would accept nothing less.
Jackie Verdoorn
June 16, 2004
To Debra Winegarten and Ruthe Winegarten's family - Please accept our heartfelt condolences and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jackie Verdoorn and the staff of Hill Country Care Providers.
Lisa Bland
June 16, 2004
Hi Debbie and Cindy,
I am really sorry to hear about your mother. This was such a shock. I feel fortunate to have met her that one time at the Chat n' Chew. She was so helpful, taking time to write to me about Yiddish last summer.
Rebecca Landon
June 16, 2004
A very worthwhile life...
Margaret Gomez
June 16, 2004
I will greatly miss Ruth's dedication to women's herstories. Her sincerity and acceptance of all people will be hard to replace. Thanks, Ruth.
Rebecca Herron
June 16, 2004
My deepest condolences to Ruthe Winegarten's family. I was a student in her American Studies class on Women in Government at UT in the late 70's. I have fond memories of her ability to grab and hold your interest on the topic. My primary paper for her class was on Irma Rangel, who was also a great lady and has gone on before her. I also have several of her books. She made me see that women can and have made great contributions to political life in Texas. God bless her.
Guy Herman
June 16, 2004
To Ruthe's family,
Sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Ruthe and a particular one from many years past. I was campigning for justice of the peace in 1980 by blockwalking. I decided it was most appropriate to meet the folks on Keasby Avenue where I had just moved. Although I had previously met Ruthe through Ann and David Richards, I had no idea where she lived. To my surprise, Ruthe answered the door at 701 Keasby, invited me in for coffee, and offered encouraging advice about my first political campaign.
Her writings over the years have offered many of us the historical perspective on the contributions of women to our great state.
Cathren Koehlert
June 16, 2004
I didn't know Ruthe for very long. But I didn't need to know her long to know what a remarkable woman she was. I will miss her.
Christie Smith
June 16, 2004
I got to know Ruthe through her daughter Debra, who has been an inspiration and example of courage to me. Unfortunately, I never got to meet Ruthe in person, even though I felt I knew her. I am immensely saddened for Debra and wish comfort and love her way.
Jane Walker
June 16, 2004
Marc, Martha, Deb ...
My love and sincerest thoughts go to all of you. Besides loving and admiring your mother immensely, I credit her for giving me the courage to begin writing twenty years ago.
But I think of Ruthe more as a wonderful mother, as I know her natural legacy to be one of exceptionally loving and fully unique individuals.
Remember that Thanksgiving at Threadgill's just after Isabelle was born?
Love to you all.
Elma Salinas Ender
June 16, 2004
I was very saddened by the news that your mother passed away. She was an incredible lady and she will be missed.
Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco
June 16, 2004
Ruthe Winegarten was the most important person fighting for Texas women's history. Every single book of hers was a victory against all the forces that worked against women's history. Few institutions and people with power actually recognized her significance. She was often treated as marginal but in fact was a key voice for those of us who constitute over 50% of the population.
Noemi M Lopez
June 16, 2004
I will sorely miss seeing Ruthe at Caucus functions with her books. She was a generous giving woman and an inspiration to all of us. My deepest sympathy for her family.
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