Ruth Emma (Pfleiderer) ZIEGLER

ZIEGLER, PFLEIDERER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 4/24/2014 at 15:05:23

April 7, 1923 ---- April 19, 2014

Born April 7th, 1923, Ruth Emma Ziegler was the only child of Paul and Rosa Pfleiderer of Stuttgart-Plieningen, Germany. She experienced her teen years amidst the bombings and subsequent allied occupation. In 1950 she married Johannes (Hans) Ziegler of Leipzig, Germany, who to this day, has remained her one, true love. A close second is her son, Reinhard, who was born in 1953 (although some would argue that that position has since been awarded to Reinhard's wife, Lori, whom Ruth embraced as her own daughter). In 1956, the Ziegler family took a huge leap of faith, and with the support of the Lutheran World Federation, moved to the small farming community of Clarion, Iowa. First Lutheran Church in Clarion sponsored the Ziegler family and got them established in their new life in America. One of Ruth's treasured memories of her adopted country was her first Thanksgiving. This included lessons from the ladies of First Lutheran in making unaccustomed, but delicious foods, like turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie. Ruth not only embraced the best of American culture, she shared many German recipes and traditions with her friends. Many of them eagerly awaited an invitation to sit in awe of the Ziegler Christmas tree, lit with real candles. For special guests, Ruth might play a sweet version of the carols "Once in Royal David's City" or "Oh Tannenbaum" on her harmonica.

In 1962, Ruth became an American citizen, along with her family, at the US District Court in Ft. Dodge, Iowa. Back in Clarion, the Zieglers celebrated with the members of First Lutheran with a huge, American flag sheet cake. It was a scene straight from a Norman Rockwell painting! Ruth worked at several retail stores in the Lochwood area of East Dallas, to which the Zieglers had moved in 1963. She finished her work life as an instructional aide at Bryan Adams High School, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to immigrant students. It was a joy for her to convey to these students some of what she had learned as a new American. Ruth has been a faithful and active member of Central Lutheran Church, Dallas since 1963. She led Bible studies for children and adults, served on the altar guild and helped lead the bereavement team. Ruth was also instrumental in helping to establish the White Rock Center of Hope, which has become is a significant support center for neighbors in need. In 1987, Hans preceded Ruth in death. Over the years that followed, Ruth became the proud Grand-mother of three children: Andrey, 20, Dasha 19, and Halyna, 12. Ruth loved-on and was deeply committed to the spiritual progress of these grandchildren in a mighty way. During her later years she combined her love of flowers with her compassionate heart. Ruth used her flower press, her camera and artistic eye to make countless, beautiful, hand-made cards and book-marks. The scriptures she selected and her thoughtful, personal messages of shared sorrow, shared celebration and her words of encouragement blessed those who received them. These have become treasured keepsakes for so many. In some respects, Ruth's life was daring and bold (surviving WWII, leaving everything behind and emigrating to a new country) and in other ways it was "typical" (being a home maker and building a family). Yet, as a lover of Christ, she was extraordinary. She taught us, and so many others, that our relation-ship with our Risen Savior is the true purpose and singular motivation for a well-lived life. Ruth's family and her large circle of friends of all ages will miss her immeasurably. She taught us so much, so well. Ruth delighted us and kept us on our toes to the very last. We are deeply grateful for her life and her witness. Soli Deo gloria! A memorial service in celebration of Ruth's life will be held at Central Lutheran Church, 1000 Easton Road, Dallas, TX 75218 at 2pm on Monday, April 28th, 2014. In lieu of flowers, Ruth has requested donations be made to either: Central Lutheran Church, The Vessel Foundation c/o Reinhard Ziegler or The White Rock Center of Hope.

Dallas Morning News - Dallas, Texas
April 22, 2014