Ruth Esther Eaton

Ruth Esther (Gustafson, Bruha) Eaton, age 81 of Smithville, TX, and formerly of Adair, Iowa, died on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND. She was born March 1, 1945, to Marvin and Alma (nee Grefe) Uhlig in Detroit Lakes, MN. Her father was a Missouri Synod Lutheran Pastor in Northern Minnesota, and the church was her lifelong home.

Beginning in 1954, at the age of 9 years old, Ruth began her Music Ministry as the organist in her father's church in rural Northern Minnesota and ended her Musical service in the church as choir director and accompanist at Grace Lutheran Church in Smithville, TX, marking more than 70 years' service to her Lord.

Ruth brought her love of music and her steadfast faith in her Lord to countless congregations over the course of her life. Ruth truly inspired congregants to “Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord”.

Ruth earned her degree in Statistical Mathematics from the University of Northern Iowa in 1990 and served as an Actuarial Analyst for the Principal Financial Group.

Ruth is survived by her loving husband Chuck Eaton, (Smithville, TX); four daughters she loved dearly Jill (Joe)Thunhorst, Greta (Tim) Larsen, Rachel (James) Riley, and Emily Martin, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren; Sisters Ellen (Roger) Bauer (Waverly, IA), Lois Case (Cordova, IL). She was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters: Janice Krumm and Norma Uhlig.

Funeral services are set for 10:30 am, Thursday, July 30, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Casey, Iowa with burial at the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery north of Adair, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will be held 1-hour before at the church. A reception will be held at the church following the burial.

The Schmidt Funeral Home of Adair is caring for the Eaton family at this time and condolences can be sent at: schmidtfamilyfh.com