Ruth Karnei Baacke, 92, of Goliad, Texas passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024. She was born on August 12, 1932 in Goliad County to Nathaniel (N.P.) and Annie Fromme Karnei.

Ruth graduated from Goliad High School in 1951 as salutatorian of her class. She married Alois Baacke on September 21, 1951 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Weesatche, Texas. After Alois returned from service in the Korean War, they lived in Goliad, built their home and raised their three sons. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Goliad. During her senior year and after graduation, Ruth worked at the Goliad County Hospital until she married. She later worked at The First National Bank of Goliad, dedicating 32 years there until her retirement in 1996.

While she was still able, one of Ruth’s past times that she looked forward to was going to the country in the evening to check cows and just sit and watch the little calves play around. She enjoyed attending the local Country Opry shows with her sister and friends and taking vacations across the United States and Canada with The Travelers Edge bus tour. She enjoyed family reunions, especially The Karnei Cousins’ Reunion. The Goliad County Fair and Rodeo was also a favorite of hers and she attended it for many years, always anxious to know how her grandkids and later great grandkids had done with their fair projects. Above all, she loved spending time with family, especially her grandkids and great grandkids, which brought her much joy.

Ruth is survived by her son, Clinton Baacke and wife Debbie; four grandchildren, Jennifer (Trey) Schrade; Garrett Baacke; Ashley (Buck) McFarlin; Kashel (Michael Cantu) Baacke; and five great grandchildren, Gracyn and Audrey Schrade; Kayden Acerra and Kolt McFarlin and Charlotte Cantu.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alois; sons, Donny and Gordon Baacke and sister, Mildred Johnston.

Visitation will be held at Grace Funeral Home, Goliad, Texas on September 18, 2024 from 12:30 to 1:30 with the service beginning immediately after visitation. Burial will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff at La Bahia Nursing and Rehab for the care they have given Ruth the last eight- and one-half years. Thank you also to everyone with Crown Hospice of Victoria that came and provided comfort and care for Ruth during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 518, Goliad, Texas 77963; St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 128, Weesatche, Texas 77993 or Crown Hospice of Victoria, 1406 E. Red River, Victoria, Texas 77901.