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Roll Call Tribute

Ruth "Ruthie Mae" LaBarbera '70 January 17, 2023 1:13 PM updated: January 17, 2023 1:21 PM

Ruthie Mae LaBarbera
May 29, 1936 – November 21, 2022

IN THE CARE OF
Memorial Funeral Chapel

Ruthie Mae LaBarbera, 86, passed away November 21, 2022, at CHI St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan, Texas.

Ruth was born on May 29, 1936 in Rogers, Texas. She graduated from Marlin High School in 1954. Ruth married Frank S LaBarbera in June of 1954. Ruth and Frank had five children and celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary shortly before Frank’s passing in 2004.

Ruth began her college years at the age of 31, in 1967, the same year her youngest child entered grade school. Ruth attended Allen Military Academy in Bryan, Texas in 1967 and 1968, while simultaneously enrolled in the undergraduate program at Texas A&M University. Ruth was one of the first 500 women admitted to Texas A&M after women were allowed to enroll. Ruth was a member of the honor society, Phi Theta Kappa. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Texas A&M in 1970. She earned her Master of Education degree in Curriculum from Texas A&M in 1973.

She was classified as a professional reading specialist by the State of Texas. Ruth began her teaching career at Bryan ISD in 1970 and retired after 25 years. She cherished her years of teaching at Ben Milam Elementary and Carver-Kemp in Bryan. Her first 12 years of retirement were spent taking care of her husband, Frank, who had suffered a stroke. Ruth had a passion for reading, and was known to read 3 to 4 books per week until her passing. She was also envied for her green thumb and her knack for making anything grow.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Cryer and Frances (Cryer) Goodwill, by her husband, Frank S. LaBarbera, by daughter Sarah Louise LaBarbera, and by Brother George Cryer and wife Lottie.

She is survived by children, Rose LaBarbera, Angie Niblett and son-in-law William, Frances Carson and son-in-law Michael, and Samuel F LaBarbera and daughter-in-law Kathy. Ruth is survived by six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Laura Cochran of Panama, New York, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Sam and Jeorgia LaBarbera, sister-in-law, Lena LaBarbera, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial visitation for Ruthie will be held Friday, December 16, 2022 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1515 South College Avenue, Bryan, Texas 77801, followed by a memorial rosary at 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ruth’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org), or a charity of your choice.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialfuneralchapelbryan.com for the LaBarbera family.

 



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