Ruby Griesenbeck

Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Ruby Lee Brown Griesenbeck of Bastrop, Texas passed away on July 3rd, 2024 at the age of 100, just 40 days shy of her 101st birthday. She is on her journey to our Lord Jesus Christ, to join Jack, her beloved husband of 67 years. She was born in Enterprise, Mississippi on August 12, 1923 as the only daughter of Ed and Jessie Mae Rowell Brown. Ruby was baptized in faith at the age of 12 at the First Baptist Church in Enterprise. At the age of 13, she moved to Meridian, Mississippi with her parents and three brothers: Ernest Deason, Henry, and Jack Brown.

In 1943, during World War II, Ruby met Jack Griesenbeck at a military school in Memphis, Tennessee. While working at the school, Ruby’s coworkers had noticed a handsome man that would walk by each day hoping to catch a glimpse of her. After a few weeks, those same coworkers pooled their money together offering Ruby the cash prize if she would give that handsome fella a wink. When the pot got big enough, she took the bet. For fifteen dollars, she was treated to a steak dinner and a lifetime of love, proving Ruby was a smart business woman at a young age. Jack and Ruby married on April 14, 1943, and moved to Bastrop, Texas. They began their married life by building their business, Griesenbeck Furniture and Appliance Company, located in downtown Bastrop. The store, like their marriage, enjoyed longevity and was open for 64 years.

Ruby and Jack Griesenbeck enjoyed a busy life in Bastrop. She was his true partner in life and helped him campaign for the Bastrop ISD School Board, Bastrop City Council, Bastrop Mayor and Bastrop County Judge, where he served 18 years. Ruby was by his side in local and state politics for over 30 years. In addition to helping Jack, Ruby joined Eastern Star on December 19, 1946 and was a member for over 70 years. She served as Worthy Matron and held many stations. She was also active in the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce and was elected as the first female president of the Chamber.

Ruby loved many things, but spending time with her family and her First United Methodist Church family were her utmost priorities. She read the Bible every day. One of her fondest memories of her church work was when she and her sister-in-law, Agnes Griesenbeck, would visit the nursing homes and give communion to the First United Methodist Church parishioners and other Christians that requested communion. She was an avid sports fan, but she especially loved the Dallas Cowboys. Ruby learned how to use Facebook and send emails, and many of her Facebook friends were blessed with her daily devotions, prayers, and well-wishes.

Of all of Ruby’s accomplishments, her family is what she was most proud of. She is survived by two children, JoAnn Griesenbeck Cantrell (Bill) and William Griesenbeck (Sally), five grandchildren: Keith Cantrell (Tanya), Patrick Cantrell (Rhonda), Jodie Cantrell Stanfield (Eric), Missy Griesenbeck Schuelke (Troy) and William “BJ” Griesenbeck (Tanya). She was fortunate to be involved in the lives of her eleven great-grandchildren who brought her so much joy: Caitlan Cantrell Ramirez (Manuel), Kelsey Cantrell (preceded in death), Shelly Schuelke Gibson (Todd), Clayton Schuelke (Ariel), Coleman Schuelke, Jordan Rhodes (fiancé Bailey McWhorter), Kristen Rhodes, Clint Cantrell, Emma Griesenbeck, Ella Griesenbeck, and Wes Griesenbeck, as well as her four great-great grandchildren: Abigail Ramirez, Elliot Ramirez, Ridge Schuelke, and Graham Gibson. She was also happy to add Ashley Stanfield and Hunter Reeves to her list of great-grandchildren.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband Jack and great-granddaughter Kelsey Cantrell.

Ruby believed that she had seen more changes in the world than most. From the horse and buggy days, to a man on the moon, and the countless technology advancements, her favorite development was

Facebook, where she was able to remain connected to her family and countless friends near and far.

Ruby was an inspiration to everyone she met and was loved by so many. The legacy she leaves us with is unconditional love and a strong faith that has touched so many hearts. She will be greatly missed by all.

1 Timothy 6:12- “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Marrs Jones Newby Funeral Home. The funeral home is located at 505 Old Austin Highway in Bastrop, Texas.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, July 7, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church with burial following at Fairview Cemetery. The church is located at 1201 Main Street in Bastrop, Texas.