Ruth Eleanor Thies

THIES ELBERTA, AL Ruth Eleanor Thies, age 87, a native and resident of Elberta, AL passed away Friday, January 29, 2016. Ruth was born on June 25, 1928 to Rudolph and Frieda Baumann of Elberta, where she spent her childhood and youth and was baptized and confirmed at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Elberta. She was a 1952 graduate of Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, IL and taught at Lutheran Church Missouri Synod schools in Little Rock, AR (1948-1950); Poplar Bluff, MO (1952-1961); and Warrington, FL (1961-1962, 1987-1993). In 1954, she also began service as school principal. On July 8, 1962, she married Rev. John A. Thies and complimented his ministry at congregations in Woodland, IN (1962-1965); Newton, NC (1965-1969); Mobile, AL (1969-1977); St. Mark's, Elberta, AL (1977-1985). Wherever possible, Ruth served in church as a teacher and church organist and was always active in volunteer service in church and her community. Ruth and husband John retired in Elberta and then remained at her birthplace until her death. She loved people and God’s Word. Ruth is preceded in death by her husband John, her parents, Rudolf and Frieda Baumann and brother’s Herman and Barney Baumann. Mrs. Thies is survived by three sons, David (Charae) Thies of Rockford, IL, Daniel (Evangeline) Thies of Milton, FL, and Andrew (Sandra) Thies of Huntsville, AL; ten grandchildren; sister, Mary Ellen Dorn (John), nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Services will be held Saturday, February 6, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Elberta, AL, with Pastor Keith Ringers officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Mark's Lutheran Cemetery. ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 2551 S. MCKENZIE STREET FOLEY, AL 36535 (251)943-2391 www.wolfefuneralhomes.com