Ruthann Burnecke

Ruthann Loder Burnecke, of Dallas, TX, affectionately known as “Mom”, “Mom B”, “Mimi”, “Sis” and “Friend”, passed away Sunday, January 19, 2025, peacefully in her sleep after a lengthy battle with vascular dementia.

Ruthann was born to the late Bishop Dwight and Mildred Loder on December 4, 1940, in Towanda, PA. She graduated from Evanston Township High School in Evanston, IL, in 1958 and received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northwestern University in 1962.

Ruthann married the late James (Jim) Claude Burnecke of Highland Park in 1962, and they lived together in Dallas for thirty-eight years until his death in May of 2000.

Ruthann, a preacher’s child, experienced frequent relocations throughout her life. Born in the charming borough of Towanda, Pennsylvania, nestled within the Northeastern Pennsylvania hills, she resided there until the age of two. In 1942, her father’s ministry assignment led to a transfer to a church in Blossburg, Pennsylvania. During her six-year sojourn in Blossburg, her brothers, Bill Loder and David Loder, were blessed into her family. In 1948, her father’s subsequent assignment to Minneapolis, Minnesota, marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. There, Ruthann spent her school years until her junior year in high school, when her father’s role as the president of Garrett Seminary at Northwestern University necessitated their relocation to Evanston, Illinois.

The frequent moves instilled in Ruthann an extraordinary aptitude for forming enduring friendships. After completing her high school education, she embarked on her collegiate journey at Northwestern University, where she proudly pledged Delta Delta Delta sorority. During her tenure at Northwestern, she cultivated a lifelong and cherished friendship with her sorority big sister from Dallas, Texas. This sister, a Highland Park High School alumna, had introduced Ruthann and Jim at her wedding, and their paths intertwined. The two continued to date and developed a love of great depths. On June 30, 1962, they exchanged vows in a ceremony that marked the beginning of their married life. Jim’s persuasive nature convinced Ruthann to relocate to Texas, which she embraced as an opportunity to escape the frigid winters of Chicago. Together, they embarked on a fulfilling journey, cherishing their early married years sporting around in their turquoise blue MG. They spent their days exploring the lake, enjoying recreational activities in their ski boat, and playing tennis.

On December 4, 1964, Ruthann and Jim welcomed their first child, Deborah Lynn (Debbie), on Ruthann’s 24th birthday. Two years later, on Christmas Eve 1966, they were blessed with their second child, James Scott (Scott). Ruthann was an active and dedicated mother, involved in her children’s various activities. She served as a Girl Scout leader, a soccer parent, a baseball parent, a ballet parent, and a drill team parent. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in Scott and Debbie’s tennis tournaments throughout Texas. Ruthann’s unwavering support and love for her children was evident during both joyful and challenging moments. She provided guidance and encouragement, often offering advice that was not necessarily what they desired, telling them what they needed to hear and not always what they wanted to hear. Her deep love for her family was unconditional.

Ruthann’s professional career commenced with a teaching position at Longfellow Elementary School in Dallas. After the birth of Debbie, she made the decision to become a stay-at-home parent until her children reached an older age. She eventually returned to the workforce, teaching 6th grade at The Winston School in Dallas for 27 years. Her dedication and expertise earned her the respect of both staff and students, many of whom maintained contact with her after graduation. Ruthann took great pride in her role as an educator, particularly in supporting students with learning differences.

Ruthann persevered through difficult and challenging times, caring for Jim as his health deteriorated from the hardships of Multiple Sclerosis and the effects of diabetes. For years Ruthann demonstrated unwavering care and support. She diligently attended to his daily needs, transported him in a specially equipped van, and made every effort to ensure his participation in their children’s lives. Ruthann’s selflessness and love for Jim endured through both sickness and health, and she never expressed resentment for the circumstances she faced. Her courageous spirit and unwavering determination were evident in her daily actions. She championed Jim’s cause when he lacked the energy to do so himself, setting a positive example for her family and friends. She embraced each challenge as an opportunity to lead by example, revealing her strength and resilience.

Ruthann leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jim, on May 26, 2000, as well as her mother, Mildred Loder, in 1999, and her father, Dwight Loder, in 2002. Ruthann is survived by her children Debbie Guedry (Tim), of Dallas, and Scott Burnecke (Sheri), of Dallas; her grandchildren, Caroline Miller (Aaron), of Melissa; Catherine Beneke, of New York City; Brittany Burnecke, of Dallas; Brooke Burnecke, of Dallas; two step-grandchildren; brothers Bill Loder (Mary Jo) of The Villages, FL; and Dr. David Loder (Beverly) of Walnut Creek, CA, as well as four nephews and their families.

The family would like to express our gratitude for the caring staff at The Tradition Prestonwood, especially in the memory care unit, for their loving care and kindness towards our mom during the last years of her life.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on March 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in Cox Chapel at Highland Park United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in Ruthann’s honor.