Ruth Lee Ella Gerloff Neffendorf passed away May 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Ruth was born October 1, 1925, in Doss, Texas to Rudolph Gerloff and Frieda Kuenstler Gerloff. She married Richard Neffendorf on December 3, 1953.

She is survived by her children, Duane Neffendorf and wife Glory, Jan Hahne and husband Bradley, Richard Neffendorf III and wife Linda, Kay Neffendorf Petsch, grandchildren, Nadine Baker and husband Kaden, Marsy Rochin and husband Jim, Darren Hahne and wife Karina, Shelton Neffendorf, Monique Aluisa and husband Brian, Justin Petsch, Krystin Petsch, great grandchildren, Tyler Heimann, Hannah Shenk, William David Shenk, Leaella Rose Aluisa, Luca Aluisa and Harper Parker. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Richard Neffendorf, brothers Willie, Elmer, Alvin, Lester and Milton Gerloff, sisters Anita Crenwelge, Mildred Wendel, and Lillie Neffendorf, son-in-law Allen Petsch, granddaughter, Sabra Gauna, and grandson Brandon Hahne.

Ruth was a loving mother, wife and friend, she received her greatest pleasures from visiting with family and friends, there was always an open door and food to be had at her home. She grew up the last of 9 children in a sharecropper farmers family, from an early age she knew the meaning of hard work, the value of which stayed with her throughout her life. Ruth left home at an early age to help her sister Mildred who had a young family and health issues. Once Mildred was able to cope, she moved to Fredericksburg to help her widowed sister Lillie and her young son Clyde and took a job at the sewing factory. She married Richard Neffendorf on December 3, 1953, and began her own family. Once her children were of school age, she once again took on a job at The Radio Post helping to publish the weekly paper. She and Richard bought the Montgomery Ward Franchise and ran a successful business until Wards ceased operations. After Richard retired from the banking industry, and began hauling hay, she served as his very capable receptionist, secretary and gofer. Throughout the years though, she was happiest as a homemaker and housewife. Her cinnamon rolls are legendary among her family and friends. Many a happy hour was spent quilting for the Golden Hub, and for family and friends, her quilts and handmade pieces are treasured by friends and family. When Richard was diagnosed with cancer, she steadfastly took care of him and attended to his needs. Music was a great part of her life as well, she was a gifted pianist, organist, guitar player, banjo, bass cello, steel guitar and accordion player. Even after she lost her sight, she played the piano up until a few months ago. She and several members of her family as well as members of her church family sang at various gospel functions as well as the church radio program. God was an important part of her daily life, she tried to put Him first in all aspects. Her and Richard's families were among the original members of the Emanuel Gospel Churches now known as Fredericksburg Victory Fellowship. She will be missed greatly by all who knew her.

Funeral services for Ruth Lee Ella Neffendorf will be held on May 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Fredericksburg Funeral Home with interment to follow in the Greenwood Cemetery, Reverend Michael Burdick officiating.

Memorials may be made to Fredericksburg Victory Fellowship, Golden Hub Meal on Wheels program or the charity of one's choice.