Ruth Kothmann Spaeth passed away on Sunday, October 21, 2012, at the age of 95. A private
family memorial service and interment will be held on October 23, 2012 in Mason, Texas.
Ruth was born in London, Kimble County on December 31, 1916 to Eli Henry "Lee" and Amelia
Hahn Kothmann. Ruth was the youngest of 8 children. Ruth grew up on the Kothmann family
ranch near London. Ruth's family was instrumental in building the First Baptist Church in
London in 1912. Ruth began playing piano at a very early age for church, revival meetings, and
community functions. She attended schools in London and Junction. She graduated from
Junction High School in 1934. She attended Howard Payne College and the University of Texashaving
received her degree in 1941.
She was married to Harry Spaeth on August 10, 1941. To this union two sons were born: Dayton
and Dwight. The Spaeth family lived on the Spaeth Ranch in Mason County until it was time for
the boys to start school in Mason. Since they lived in the southwestern part of Mason County, it
was a long distance from school and there were no school buses at that time. The Spaeth family
built a home in Mason in 1951. Harry passed away in 1981.
The Spaeth family attended St. Paul Lutheran Church regularly. Ruth was organist for the church
for many years. She taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and was actively involved in
the church organizations and functions.
She taught in elementary and junior high school levels five years and was a member of various
clubs and community organizations. Ruth was a devoted "Granny" to her grandchildren and
great grandchildren.
Ruth is survived by her two sons: Dayton Spaeth and wife, Marguerite, of Mason, and Dwight
Spaeth of Mason. She is survived by three grandchildren: Tracy Spaeth and wife, Cindy of
Lubbock, Tonya Spaeth Ahlschwede and husband, Allen of Junction, and Darci Spaeth of
Houston. She is also great grandmother to Hunter Spaeth, Caleb Spaeth, Jay Ahlschwede and
Sophie Ahlschwede.
She was preceded in death by husband, Harry Spaeth, her parents, Lee and Amelia Kothmann
and by six brothers, Goodall Kothmann, Walton Kothmann, Howard Kothmann, Raleigh
Kothmann, Rankin Kothmann, Woodrow Kothmann and her sister, Loree Kothmann Woodress.
Memorials in her honor may be made to Menard Manor or the London Cemetery.