Ruth Stacia Kroeger was born June 20, 1934 in Flandreau, SD to Raymond M. and Stacia I. (Anderson)  Kroeger. In her early years she enjoyed the outdoor farm life. In her high school years she was a member of the National Honor Society and at graduation in 1952 was presented with the P.E.O. award for her potential among young women. After graduation as an RN from Sioux Valley School of Nursing in Sioux Falls, SD, she married Harold D. Bonath. During his graduate school years and while in the civilian parish she was employed at various positions in nursing in Iowa and Nebraska. During her husband's 26 year Air Force career she completed her education with a B.S. cum laude and in graduate school was a member of the National English Honor Society “Sigma Tau Delta” and the Honor Society in Education “Kappa Delta Pi” and was awarded a Master of Education with honors.

After her husband’s retirement, she was selected as the administrator of a newly constructed long term care facility in Castroville, TX. She retired in 1999, but still continued working for the state of Texas assessing quality assurance in area nursing homes.

After moving to Blue Skies W (AFV 2) in 2006, she represented the Health Care Center in Resident Council. She also served on the beautification committee and spent time on the precinct voting committee. Since her arrival in Castroville, she was active in Medina Valley United Methodist Church and also served as chairperson of the Administrative Council along with tenures on various committees and boards. She also helped create Children's Church and was actively involved with it for 3 yrs.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years: Harold D. Bonath; three children: Rev. LaMont (Donna) Bonath of Paoli, IN, Laurie (Ron) Wegner of Austin, TX and Kyle (Karen) Bonath of Lubbock, TX; four grandchildren: Stacia (Andy) Wegner Comer, Paul Wegner, Kyra Bonath and Kade Bonath; and her sister: Shirley (Tom) Ullom of Sioux Falls.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Medina Valley United Methodist Church. Inurnment will be private at Fort Sam National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX. Memorials may be made in Ruth's memory to the Medina Valley UMC Memorial Fund.

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