Mary Jane Ruhland

Our beloved Mary Jane Ruhland, peacefully departed from this world on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at her residence in Mansfield, Texas at the age of 83. Throughout her life, Mary Jane was a cherished member of every community she touched. She was a dedicated librarian and educator, and one of the kindest individuals you could ever hope to meet. Born on February 24, 1940, in Fredericksburg, Texas to Helmuth and Leola Behrend, Mary Jane’s life was a rich tapestry woven with passion, knowledge, and deep connections.

Driven by her love for literature and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Mary Jane studied speech and English at the University of Texas and Texas Lutheran University, she then went on to earn a master’s degree in library science from Sam Houston State University, setting the stage for a fulfilling career in education for Lumberton ISD as a Life Skills Teacher. She later served as a librarian for St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Throughout her career, Mary Jane’s impact resonated far beyond shelves, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless students and colleagues.

Mary Jane will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family and friends, as well as her beautiful smile and contagious laughter. Preceded in death by her loving husband, Jim Ruhland (d. 2021), with whom she shared 31 years of joyful marriage, in Lumberton, Texas. Mary Jane and Jim were active members of their community church, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Silsbee, Texas. Friends and family were always welcome in their home. Jim was by Mary’s side every day until he passed on.

Following Jim’s passing, Mary decided to move to Mansfield, Texas to be near her loving family. She always remained a steadfast pillar of strength for her surviving sons, Troy Mumme (Marina) and Doug Mumme (Marie). Though Mary Jane didn’t have any daughters of her own, she held her daughters-in-law, Marie and Marina close to her heart and cherished the bond they shared. Survived also by her beloved grandchildren, Erin Brown (Jesse), Valerie Opel (Matt), Tori Wilkins (Dillon), Mason Mumme, Yazmine Mumme, Madison Mumme, Austin James, Chandler Mumme, and her four great-grandchildren. Mary is predeceased by her parents Helmuth Behrend, and Leola Richey, her brother Sammy Behrend, and her sister Dorothy Schroeder.

In her final years of life, Mary Jane showed a tremendous amount of courage and strength. Though her body was struggling, her mind was as sharp as always. She continued to remain as optimistic as possible. Never shedding a tear, when someone came to visit her, she would muster all her strength in her one good hand, grab your hand, pull it to her forehead, and tell you that she loved you.

Mary Jane was a pillar of strength and support to her loved ones and even the new faces of the friends she made during her time living with the staff at both Silsbee Oaks and Isles of Watercrest. She always looked forward to her PT time and happy hour activities. Mary would find the right words to say or express a quick giggle just to try to put a smile on someone’s face no matter how her day was going.

Mary Jane’s inner beauty never faded and was always visible to those around her.

“Mom, Love you up to God” – Troy Mumme, Mary Jane’s oldest son.

“Thank you, Mom, for letting God’s light shine through you. As God finally grants you your final wish to ‘go back home.’ Know that you will be dearly missed, but know that we will feel you in our hearts every day until will see you again.” – Doug Mumme, Mary Jane’s youngest son.

As we navigate the void left by Mary Jane’s passing, we find solace in the precious memories she bestowed upon us. Though her physical presence may be absent, her legacy echoes through the lives she touched.

In this time of grief, our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Mary Jane Ruhland. May her soul find eternal peace may the memories of her warmth and wisdom bring comfort to those who now feel the weight of her absence.

A Memorial Service for Mary Jane Ruhland will be on Friday, November 17, 2023, at Bethany Lutheran Church, in Fredericksburg, Texas. The viewing will be at 12:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. Directly after the memorial service Mary Jane will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery, in Fredericksburg, Texas.