Ruth Ellen Pittenger

1930 - 2021

Ruth's service will be live streamed Saturday August 14, 2021, at 2:00pm by First United Methodist Church at https://www.sfumc.org/ click on the icon in the top right hand corner of the web page that reads WATCH LIVE.

Ruth Ellen Feldmann Pittenger, 90, died peacefully February 28th, 2021 surrounded by her children in Ava's Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.

Ruth was born into a Methodist parsonage family in Salina, Kansas,1930 to Rev. Herman G. and Winifred Feldmann. She joined an older sister, Betty Jean.

Ruth's first home was in Culver, KS. She started school in Soloman, KS. The dust bowl days meant walking to school with her dad and sister because it was too dark to see. The parsonage was a block away from Highway 96 and the railroad tracks. Men looking for work were often fed in their kitchen under the watchful eye of her mother. They were later told that the tree in their front yard marked their home as a "welcoming home."

Ruth attended high school in Delphos, Kansas where she was active in music and church activities. Ruth and her sister were also part of a group of high school girls called the Dopey Eights. Ruth graduated in 1948. She attended Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, KS. While in college she was active in the Philharmonic Choir which toured each year. Other interests were MSM (Methodist Student Movement), Delta Kappa Chi, and the School Yearbook. Her senior year she was chosen as the Football Queen. She graduated with a degree in music.

Ruth taught music for one year before marrying her husband Richard (Dick) Pittenger on July 15th, 1953. They made their home in Spearfish, Brookings, Huron, and Sioux Falls. This union produced 3 children: Peri Jo, Rick, and Michelle. Ruth was a stay-at-home mom and a wonderful church volunteer, UMW member, and choir director in several of the churches. Ruth had a beautiful soprano voice and loved to sing. She was an active mother and was a Den Mother for Boy Scouts and Brownies and encouraged each of her children in their extra-curricular activities. After having raised her children, Ruth went back to school and received a counseling degree from SDSU, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She was employed as a counselor at Southeast Area Mental Health Center in Sioux Falls. Helping others find their way was one of her greatest gifts.

Following her divorce in 1981, Ruth relocated to Denver, Colorado. She was employed by the Littleton United Methodist Church for over 20 years leading the Children's Ministry and Education program at the church. After attending classes at the Iliff School of Theology, she was ordained a Deacon in the United Methodist Church. She officiated at many weddings and funerals over the years in addition to being the "driver" for other elderly folks well into her 80's. The adult Sunday School class "Serendipity" she taught continued to meet for many years beyond her retirement. She started a support group for retired clergy and spouses in later years.

She was never a push over and had strong beliefs. Ruth was a quick wit, a great writer, and a personality not to be taken lightly. She was a wonderful confidant to many friends and children who would seek her out for help of any kind. An encourager and supporter for any who needed a helping hand, a word or a note of encouragement. She knew when something was not right, and she was never shy to say something. She was a progressive thinker and especially toward the end of her life. A generous soul to the end.

"GG" loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren Emma and Jack, Taylan and Lowan, Lexi and Gavin, Everly and Holden, Emery, Graham and Everett. She loved seeing and hearing about her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them and attending their activities and the "important" days in their lives.

In the autumn of her life, she and her friend Clayton Faulk, "CW", from Canon City, CO enjoyed life together. The two of them traveled to see the beautiful scenery around Colorado, and everywhere from coast-to-coast North, South, East and West, and even Hawaii. CW has been a great companion and was always up for one of Ruth's road trips and brought much joy to Ruth's life.

Ruth was preceded in death by her mother Winifred and father Herman. She is survived by her children, daughter Peri Robbins (Jack) of Brandon, SD, son Rick Pittenger (Becky) of Fargo, ND, daughter Michelle Rooks (Chris) of Vernon, Vt, 9 Grandchildren Kris (Jessica) Robbins, Angela (Marty) Lantinen, Chad (Maggie) Taylor, Spencer (Kendra) Robbins, Ryan (Kristina) Pittenger, Brandon (Meredith) Pittenger, Kristen (Matt) Peterson, Kes Rooks, Gabrielle Rooks, 11 great-grandchildren, her sister Betty Jean Curtis of Wichita, KS, her friend CW, many cousins, nephews and nieces.