Ruth Lene (Reeder) Froebel

Ruth Lene Froebel, of Houston, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born on August 8, 1937, in Industry, Texas, Ruth was the third of three daughters born to Herman and Lillie (Langer) Reeder.

Ruth was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in New Ulm, Texas. She attended schools in Industry and Bellville and graduated with honors from Bellville High School in 1955, holding the office of Class Vice President. She continued her education at Blinn College in Brenham from 1955 to 1956. Ruth was united in marriage to Robert Froebel at St. John Lutheran Church in New Ulm on August 26, 1956. Together, they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage.

Ruth began her career in the oil and gas industry in March of 1957 with John W. Mecom. In 1987, she earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Petroleum Land Management from Houston Community College, graduating Cum Laude. She was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Houston Association of Division Order Analysts. Over the course of her 43-year career, she held administrative, land management, and data coordination positions with Rice University, Mecom Oil Company, Dawson Exploration, Rogers Geophysical, Hamon Oil Company, Imperial Oil Company, Greenhill Petroleum, Seismic Exploration International, and Pioneer Natural Resources. She was also a licensed Real Estate Broker for the State of Texas.

Ruth had many interests and talents that brought her great joy throughout her life. She loved playing the upright piano her father gifted her. From church hymns to honky-tonk, her fingers seemed to effortlessly dance across the keys. Her piano was recently donated to St. John Lutheran Church in New Ulm and placed in the Parish Hall for choir practices—a fitting continuation of the music that meant so much to her.

Ruth was an avid seamstress, following in the footsteps of her oldest sister, and especially enjoyed sewing matching outfits for herself and her children. She and Robert shared a love of dancing and were members of several dance clubs. Together, they led many Grand Marches for wedding parties throughout their years together.

Ruth also loved collecting American Oak antiques and vintage glass. She was a member of the Houston Glass Club and treasured her vast collection of Depression-era glass patterns. Ruth and Robert enjoyed traveling throughout the Continental United States, Canada, Hawaii, and Europe, including Germany and Czechoslovakia, where their ancestors originated. Fluent in German, Ruth especially enjoyed sharing stories of their travels and European adventures with family and friends. She held the position of State Secretary for the Houston Chapter of the Texas German Society and was also on the Board of the Texas German Museum Commission and the Sales Representative for advertisements for the German Gulf Coast Association. In addition, she was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Austin County Heritage Society.

Ruth is survived by her children, Kem Coan and her husband, John, of Houston, and Reed Froebel and his wife, Dana, of Bellville; grandchildren, Robby Coan, Megan Patterson, Austin Froebel, and Ashley Froebel; great-grandchildren, Ariella Coan, Abigail Patterson, and Archer Patterson; and numerous other relatives and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Robert Froebel; her parents, Herman and Lillie Reeder; and her sisters, Alice Brune and Elvie Reeder.

Ruth’s legacy is woven into the lives of those she loved. It lives in the family she nurtured, the friends she cared for, the faith she shared, and the many memories she created along the way. And perhaps fittingly, the piano her father gave her will continue to make music at St. John Lutheran Church. The hands that once played hymns and honky-tonk will be still, but the music—and the love behind it—will continue.

Ruth lived a life of faith, service, and love. She gave freely of herself to others and found joy in bringing people together. Her kindness, strength, laughter, and generous spirit will remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Serving as pallbearers are Robby Coan, Austin Froebel, Brian Froebel, Corey Froebel, Keith Froebel, and Todd Froebel. Honorary pallbearers are Megan Patterson, Ashley Froebel, Ariella Coan, Abigail Patterson, and Archer Patterson.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 1270, New Ulm, TX 78950, or to the charity of your choice.