Ruth Marie Koenig

Ruth Marie (Hoffmann) Koenig 9/29/37 9/22/16 Born in St. Louis, MO, on Sept. 29, 1937, Ruth Marie (Hoffmann) Koenig died Sept. 22, 2016, in Irvine, CA. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Pastor Wayne Koenig, with whom she served more than a dozen Lutheran congregations. A talented musician and choir director, Ruth played organ, piano and guitar as she led a variety of choirshandbell, youth, men's, and adultat churches in California, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Ruth's musical gifts, artwork, delicious and elegant food preparation, and impeccable fashion sense were appreciated by her family and friends throughout her life, along with her laughter. She also loved sports, and played softball, along with her teenage sisters, on a team managed by their father Edward Hoffmann during the early 1950s. After graduating from Lutheran High School in St. Louis, MO, Ruth earned a teaching degree from St. John's College, Winfield, KS, a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, and a master's degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, after which she worked as a marriage/family therapist. As she moved from place to place, supporting the growth and ministry of many Lutheran congregations around the country with her pastor husband, Ruth hung a framed quote from the book of Ruth in her room: "Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God," (Ruth 1:16) A devoted and faithful Christian woman, Ruth used her many talents to the glory of God, whether it was leading Bible studies, showing hospitality, making presentations, providing counseling or making beautiful music and art. She was deeply loved and touched the lives of many, including members of the following congregations: Holy Trinity, Livonia, MI; Christ, Hickory, NC; St. John, Springfield, PA; Concordia, Upper Marlboro, MD; Shepherd of the Valley, Santa Ynez, CA; Lamb of God, Las Vegas, NV. After retirement she continued to serve alongside her husband at Concordia Lutheran Church in Steamboat Springs, CO; Faith, Dexter, MO; Peace with Christ, Fort Collins, CO; and Gloria Dei, Hudson, OH. Ruth is survived by her son, Jefrey Wayne Koenig, daughter, Kristen Ruth Koenig, and seven grandchildren: Josiah, Andrew, Stephanie, Benjamin, Oliver, Elliot, and Emerson. She is also survived by three sisters, Lois Boemer, Joann Steinbrueck, and Carol Hoffmann as well as nine nephews and nieces. A memorial service will be held on Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Chapel of Concordia University Irvine. Gifts in memory of Ruth can be sent to Concordia University Irvine to benefit Bella Amore (Concordia University Irvine, 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, CA 92612) or to Saint Paul's Lutheran Church in Irvine (21986 Mae Circle, Lake Forest, CA 92630).