BAUTZ, Ruth J.

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Friday, April 26, 2013 - Ruth J. Bautz passed away April 19, 2013 in Lake Havasu City. She was born Jan. 23, 1919, in Buffalo, N.Y., to William and Mabel Collier. She was preceded in death by her brother, Albert Collier, deceased 2012; and husband of 62 years, Donald Bautz, deceased 2006. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Collins; grandchildren, Stacey Hitesman, Kristen Collins, Daniel Collins, Andrew Collins and Matthew Collins. Also daughter, Sharon Grove (Kenneth), of Lafayette, Colo., and her two children Heather and Bryan. Ruth served in many capacities as wife and partner to her husband, Donald Bautz, a Lutheran Minister involved in Ecumenical and Social Ministry in Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Washington, D.C., and New York. Ruth was a secretary for Boeing Aircraft in New York, assigned to Edwards Air Force Base in California. There she knew and worked with Chuck Yeager, a pilot who tested planes and broke the sound barrier. Thereafter she worked as a secretary for Special Education Schools in Michigan and Iowa. Ruth later became a Realtor in Iowa then moved to Lake Havasu City in 1989 with her husband to be near her daughter’s family. Her hard and honest work ethic, thriftiness, love of children, music, nature and travel is passed on to her surviving children. She lovingly touched many lives in special ways. The family is hosting a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church followed by a celebration of life picnic at Rotary Park, Ramada D. Friends and folks who cared for her over the past many years are invited to join them. Memorials go to Hospice of Havasu in her name. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.