Ruth Marie Stuewe (Helmer), July 22, 1946 – July 2, 2017, was born in Brazil, South America to missionary parents Rev. Martin and Millie Helmer (Moninger). Ruth’s parents moved back to the United States, where she enjoyed growing up in a Lutheran parsonage. When a parishioner offered to help her with piano lessons, she jumped at the chance and never looked back. Ruth attended St. John’s College in Winfield, KS, earned an Associate’s degree with an emphasis in piano and organ, and met her future husband, Keith S Stuewe of Wichita, KS. They married on August 23, 1969, had five children: Matthew, Rachel, Elizabeth, Marie, and Joshua, and enjoyed nearly 48 years together as husband and wife. Next to her family, Ruth loved nothing better than sharing the love of Christ through her organ playing and choir directing. She started playing services at 16 years of age in her father’s parish, and spent the last 25 years of her earthly life serving as organist and choir director for Redeemer Lutheran Church in OKC, Zion Lutheran Church in OKC, and St John’s Lutheran Church in Moore, OK. Ruth relished the love & friendships of the people with whom she worked.
Ruth is survived by her loving husband, Keith S Stuewe of OKC; brothers Martin & Marilyn Helmer of Tescot, KS; Paul & Charlene Helmer of Gardner, KS; David & Marilyn Helmer of Skiatook, OK; Ted & Carolyn Helmer, and sister in law, Cynthia Helmer, of Winfield, KS. Children are: Matthew Stuewe & Peggy Elia of Portland, OR; Rachel Bundy & Kevin Bundy of OKC; Elizabeth Stuewe Emery & Stephen Emery of Redondo Beach, CA; Joshua Stuewe & Marianne Lee of OKC; and grandsons Conway Bundy and Owen Stuewe of OKC. Visitation will be Thursday, July 6, 2017 from 1-8 pm at Buchanan Funeral Service. Services to celebrate her life will be 11:00 am, Friday, July 7, 2017 at St. John Lutheran Church in Moore, OK.
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