Hilda Ruttenberg

Hilda Laura Rubel Ruttenberg May 29, 1924 June 8, 2013 Hilda Ruttenberg passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2013. Graveside services were Sunday at Agudath Jacob Cemetery. Hilda was born in Waco, Texas, on May 29, 1924, to Sarah and Arthur Rubel and was happy to call Waco home for her entire life. Hilda was a proud member and salutatorian of the Waco High class of 1941. She attended every reunion and continued to stay in touch with her class members. A graduate of the 1945 class of Baylor University, she played violin in the Baylor Orchestra. Her love of music continued, and we recall many times singing around the piano with the family accompanied by her violin playing. In 1946 she married Jack Ruttenberg from Dallas. They settled in Waco and started building their business. Married for 53 years, Hilda and Jack were dedicated partners in both marriage and business. They raised three daughters who adored them and was a loving daughter herself. She was a devoted and lifelong member of Congregation Agudath Jacob, where she served as Sisterhood president. Additionally, she served as president of Hadassah. Awarded volunteer of the year by WISD in her seventies, she was celebrated at a Waco-wide ceremony. Hilda stayed actively involved with her community, family, and friends and eagerly looked forward to the next occasion. From writing weekly letters and later emails to her grandchildren in college, she gave them unconditional love and support. At the urging of her friends who needed a fourth, she learned Mah Jongg and played several times a week with her friends whom she dearly loved. A life-long student and reader, in later years, she avidly listened to books on tape and enjoyed describing their plots and characters. Engaged with life for 89 years, she exemplified kindness, quiet determination, modesty, devotion to family and friends, and selflessness. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack Ruttenberg; sister, Rae Trustman; and brother, Joe Rubel. Hilda is survived by daughters, Phyllis Akmal and husband, M.G., of Austin, TX, Rina Ruttenberg and husband, Danny Holland, of Austin, and Micheline Lyon of Denton, TX; grandchildren, Ari Akmal and wife, Yael, and Aysha Doman and husband, Dan, of Austin, Emily Holland of New York, NY, and Julia Holland of Austin; 3 great grandchildren; and brother, Leo Rubel. Pallbearers were M. G. Akmal, Danny Holland, Ari Akmal, Dan Doman, Steve Trustman and Harry Harelik. Thank you to Rabbi Gordon Fuller and to her devoted caregivers, Leslie Beetem, Jane Guerra, Shelia Boyer and Diane Daniliuc. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.