Ruth Herzog Ellis

Ruth Herzog Ellis, “Granny,” began her earthly journey on August 16, 1936 at her grandparents’ home in Washington County and entered into the Presence of the Lord on April 8, 2025 at the age of 88.

Ruth enjoyed a long and productive career as an oil and gas production analyst at Coastal Corporation, where she made many lifelong friends. Retirement didn’t slow her down one bit. After relocating to Somerville, she wholeheartedly embraced her many passions—gardening, dancing, bird watching, cooking for others, tackling crossword puzzles, watching her favorite game shows, and getting lost in a good book. Ruth quickly became an active and beloved community member, forming new friendships and joining social groups, including the lively Red Hatters.

Ruth became actively involved with her church’s senior citizens group, as well as various activities, volunteering her time with children’s Vacation Bible School and the women’s ministry. Her kindness, paired with a compassionate spirit, was evident in the many friendships she formed and the countless lives she touched.

She lived a full life, rich with love and joy, grounded in faith, family, and friendship. Her quick wit, resilient spirit, and generous heart will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Ruth never met a stranger—she was truly one of a kind.

Ruth’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the light of her life. She stayed busy creating cherished memories with her family—attending special events and baseball games, going on fun outings, and even coloring in coloring books. She treasured every moment spent chatting, giggling, and playing dominoes whenever the opportunity arose.

Ruth had a deep love for her family and for people in general. She never met a stranger and was always ready to share a warm smile. With an extraordinary gift for loving, helping, and serving others, she was sensitive to the needs around her and quick to offer her time and resources. Ruth also had a flair for style and a sharp eye for a good sale—she simply couldn’t resist. A proud Texan through and through, she held a special love for anything red, white, and blue.

“Now I know life is a school of compromise and the final lesson is about unconditional love” - Ruth Ellis, Author.

Ruth loved God, walking with Him throughout her life, especially through her golden years and now she is walking with Him for eternity.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents Edwin and Lonie Schulze Herzog; grandparents Fritz and Adelheid Prigge Schulze; husband Fred Ellis; siblings Charles Herzog and Shirley Herzog Parrish; grandson Vincent Allen Adams, and other close relatives.

She is survived by her children: Deanna Hartman (James), Susanna Barton (Joe), Dewayne Hartman (Donna), and Lucretia Sheppard (Ray); grandchildren Mendy Bostian (Jason), Kayla Bryson, Crystal Shermaine-Nisenbaum (Dan), Lauren Merriman (Richard), Katie Howey (Jarrod), and Emily Henry (Colin); great-grandchildren Easten, Judsen, and Colsten Bostian; Bryndle and Hattie Jo Bryson; Kennedy, Clark, and Beau Merriman, Hudson, Griffin, and Brock Howey and Cal Henry.

Visitation for Ruth will be on Monday, April 14, 2025 from 8am until 8pm, with family present from 6pm until 8pm at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 10:30am at Brenham Memorial Chapel with Pastor Corby Brizendine of First Baptist Church in Somerville officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Baptist Church of Somerville, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or American Cancer Society.

Pallbearers will be Charles Ray, James Hartman, Jason Bostian, Butch Bostian, Easten Bostian, Clay Spriggs, Joe Barton, Gerald Wehring, and Charles Schulze.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Red Hatters Society.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Condolences may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com