Dee Ann Zerfass Ruthenberg, age 79 of Kenedy, Texas, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026 surrounded by her family.  Dee was born on October 16, 1946 in Armada, MI to the late Woodrow and Donna Baird Zerfass. She fell in love with James “Jim” Ruthenberg and married on April 30, 1966 in Richmond, MI. They welcomed their only child in October the following year.  In 1980, the family of three moved to Gatesville Texas to be closer to her parents. Like most things in her life, she was never far from her best friend.  Both Dee and Jim worked at Olan Mills for many years until the digital age forced Olan Mills to close their doors.  A blessing in disguise, as this encouraged their decision to move to Kenedy Texas to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren.  Dee enjoyed crocheting, reading, playing cards, and she really treasured spending time with those she loved the most.  Dee was a loving wife, a proud mom, a Nana to five grandchildren, a great-Nana to eleven, and a member of the First Baptist Church in Kenedy.  Dee is preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow and Donna Baird Zerfass; her wonderful husband Jim; and a great-grandson, James David Ferron.  Dee is survived by her daughter, Lisa Lynn Atkinson and husband Scott of Kenedy; 5 grandchildren, David Ferron III and wife Renee of Beeville, TX;  Alleasha Lunsford and husband Justin of Niceville FL; Katlyn Martin and husband Sterling of Comfort, Tx; Taylor Garcia and husband Justin of Kenedy, TX;  and Jacob Atkinson of Comfort, Tx; 10 great-grandchildren, Sadie, Daisy and Davy Ferron, Jett and Logan Smith, Brody and Kynlee Martin, Addison, Stetson and Emerson Garcia.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 10 o’clock in the morning at Eckols Funeral Home 420 W Live Oak St, Kenedy, TX with Son in Law, Scott Atkinson, leading the service.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church 209 E School St Kenedy, TX 78119.