Ruth Cecilia Elsken

Ruth C. Elsken, 98, passed away August 3, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Ruth was born in Fort Wcott, Kansas on Deember 17, 1927 to Charles and Ruth Lienhard, the fourth of five children. Following high school graduation, she worked as a secretary at Superior Oil Company in Wichita, Kansas. It was there in Wichita where she met Harold and they were married for 54 years before his passing.

Ruth was a very devout Catholic, taking an active part in church activities. As a young girl (age 11) she began playing the organ for church weddings. As she got older, she continued to play the organ and sing in church choirs. After moving to Fort Worth, Texas in 1966, she was the organist at St. Peter the Apostle where for many years she played for four Masses each weekend and where she continued to play for 43 years.

Anyone who knew Ruth for even a short time knew that she was an avid sports fan, especially major league baseball and college basketball. She also loved a good game of bridge. Ruth and Harold started a couples bridge group in the early 70's and that continued for more than 30 years. In addition to the couples bridge group, Ruth played in other women's groups as well. Friends and family always knew where she was on Tuesday evenings and Thursday days.

She and Harold were both supportive of the arts in Fort Worth, having season tickets to the Fort Worth Symphony for the whole family, and they were founding contributors to Stage West Theatre.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her daughter, Andrea O'Brien; and her siblings, Bernard, Sister Julita RSM, Helen and Kathleen.

Survivors include her children, Celeste and John Stewart of Cedar Lake, Texas, Belinda Elsken of Fort Worth, Texas, Craig and Carla Elsken of Willow Park, Texas, Dana and Chuck Milliken of Fort Worth, Texas, and Felicia Klein of Tucson, Arizona; twelve grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Art Graham of Lexington, Kentucky.

The family is immensley gratefull to the devoted caregivers at James L. West, especially those in Red River House, who brought comfort, kindness, and much laughter to Ruth in her final years.

Vigil Service:  6:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2026 with visitation following at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, 4350 River Oaks Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76114.

Mass of Christian Burial: 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 6, 2026 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 1201 S. Cherry Lane, White Settlement, Texas 76108.

Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 2301 N Sylvania Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76111.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School, 1201 S. Cherry Lane, White Settlement, Texas 76108 or to the James L. West Center, 1111 Summit Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.