Ruth M. Dourte

I clearly recall my first conversation with Ruth Dourte in the bookstore at Roxbury Holiness Camp, and my surprise at her interest in my thoughts on the topic. I was 14 years old. In the years since she was formally a counselor over several years and in the decades since a most valued friend and mentor. It was to Ruth that I would go when I needed unsparing truth and sometimes hard counsel on some critical issue. I will be forever grateful for her always intensely practical, ...

Ruth was an encouragement to Ann Marie and me as a new pastoral couple to the Brethren in Christ denomination back in 1971

So thankful for Ruth she spoke so many words of wisdom into my life and later into the life of myself & husband. I know she will be missed but I still carry things she shared with me in my heart. What a legacy I pray my life will impact lives as Ruth did! What a wonderful thing to know she is with the Lord!

Darlene and I still draw upon the counseling Ruth provided us prior to marriage. We highly respect and love her.

Our lives intersected with Eber & Ruth's when we were children, teens, and in our years as a pastoral couple. We had great respect for Ruth's wisdom in so many areas. Together, the two of them gave gracious leadership, seeking to serve the Lord and His Church. And now her works indeed to follow her.
Pastor Jim & Jane (Zercher) Stauffer Hagerstown, MD

Yesterday I read your wife's obit. on my computer and extend my sympathy to you and yours. I'm glad for her to be at a place where there is no sorrow, pain or tears! Even though the change was expected there is sorrow and sadness. I don't expect to be at her memorial service but I'll be thinking of you and your family and praying God's blessing on you and yours. Glenn
P.S. Ilona is suffering from dementia in the nursing area at Menno Haven for over two years but is well physically. G.H.

Our sympathies to the Dourte family.
Sincerely,
Leon and Dorcas Slagenweit Engle

As my colleague at Messiah College, Ruth was generous with her praise and wise with her critiques. I always wished that I had the opportunity to get to know her better. My prayers are with Eber and the family, for your loss, and the loss to the whole Dillsburg Brethren in Christ Church.

I always admired my Aunt Ruth. She was loving and kind. I admired that she got an education in a time when that was uncommon for women. I think she also influenced my decision to study behavioral science.
She was a strong support for my grandmother, Mary Myers. She spent time visiting and advocating for her "Mom" in her final years.
I looked up to her as a bold and beautiful woman, with strong and good Christian character. I remember her smile and her generosity in opening her home...