Elizabeth A. “Liz” (Briggle) Ruehter

ELIZABETH ANN “Liz” (Briggle) RUEHTER

Elizabeth Ann “Liz” Ruehter was born May 8, 1931 in Kansas City, Missouri, the oldest of three children. She departed this life on July 12, 2024 at Crown Care Rehab and Healthcare Center in Harrisonville, Missouri at the age of 93 years, 2 months and 4 days.

Liz was the daughter of Robert E. and Nelle (Ehler) Briggle.

Liz spent her younger years in Lexington, Missouri, graduating from Lexington High School in 1949. After high school, she attended Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri where she received her Bachelor’s degree, and obtained her Master’s degree at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri. During her entire years of being in school, from kindergarten through receiving her Master’s degree, Liz never missed a day of school.

On June 23, 1953, Liz was united in marriage with John Henry Ruehter in Sherman, Texas where John was stationed while serving in the United States Air Force. They made their home in Sherman until 1964 when they moved to Independence, Missouri. They lived in Independence until 1968 when they moved to Pleasant Hill, Missouri to make their home.

In 1968, Liz started her teaching career in the Pleasant Hill R-III School District, first in the Jr. High School, then moving to the Senior High School. Over the years, Liz taught Spanish, Social Studies and English. She also served as co-sponsor of the National Honor Society and accompanied students on trips to both Mexico and Europe, and was Senior Class Sponsor for several years. Liz was named “Teacher of the Year” for 1986 – 1987. She retired from teaching in 1990, but never lost her love of children or education.

After her retirement, Liz and John traveled in their recreational vehicle to Yuma, Arizona to spend the winter months. They joined the Chief Winnie’s Winnebago Club where Liz had served as president. In addition to traveling, Liz enjoyed reading and gardening.

Liz was a member of Phi Alpha Theta and a past member of the Missouri State Teachers Association, American Association of University Women and the National Council of Social Studies.

Among all her accomplishments, however, Liz felt her greatest accomplishment was her family. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, who took great pride in the successful lives and achievements of her family.

Liz was preceded in death by her parents, Robert E. and Nelle Briggle and her husband, John Henry Ruehter.

She is survived by two sons; John R. Ruehter and wife Marcella of Omaha, Nebraska, and Larry M. Ruehter and wife Joyce of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; one brother, Robert “Bobby” Briggle and wife Bonnie of Lexington, Missouri; one sister, Shirley Briggle-Miller of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Kent Ruehter and wife Jessica of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Kyle Ruehter and wife Alex of Omaha, Nebraska, Keith Ruehter and wife Bobbie of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, David Ruehter of Omaha, Nebraska and Suzan Lindsey and husband Kevin of Greenwood, Missouri; 8 Great-Grandchildren, other relatives, many friends and former devoted students.

The family of Liz Ruehter will receive friends Sunday, July 21, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024 at the funeral home with Minister John R. Ruehter officiating. Casket Bearers will be David Ruehter, Kyle Ruehter, Keith Ruehter, Kevin Lindsey, Coy Ruehter and Mack Ruehter. Interment will immediately follow in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Contributions “In Memory of Liz Ruehter” are suggested to Pleasant Hill Meals on Wheels and may be mailed to P.O. Box 391, Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 or may be left at the funeral home.