She was a devoted mother and farm wife. She worked on the family's diversified dairy and small grains farm by milking cows, driving equipment, delivering meals to the fields, and running to town for parts. She also worked at Central National Bank in Enid and served as the executive secretary of the Oklahoma Wheat Growers Association. She was a longtime member of her local home extension group and she was a respected authority on baking, sewing and canning. She judged numerous local, county and state fairs and competitions. She held numerous terms and positions as an active member of the Associated Milk Producers Inc., Woman's Auxiliary, and she was active in the Garfield County and State Farmers Union, where she served in various leadership roles.

In her later years, she brought history to life for thousands of fourth grade school children, where four days a week, she would step back in time, "reclaim" her maiden name and assume the dramatic role of "Miss Rutz," a 1910 schoolmarm teaching at the Turkey Creek one-room schoolhouse at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid. For 14 years, she taught visiting children their daily lessons of reading, writing and arithmetic using nib pens, chalk and slate tablets, just as it would have been taught in 1910. She took particular pride in the fact that she was teaching in the same one-room schoolhouse where she received her own third and fourth grade education. She enjoyed playing cards, entertaining, gardening, cooking and attending agricultural meetings. She was active in her church and several organizations, including Associated Aid for Lutherans and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Bernita Blecka; and two brothers, Bill Rutz and Everett Rutz. She is survived by one sister, Bernice Pereboom of Enid; daughter, Brenda Dewald and husband Scott of Dover; son, Brad and wife Lisa of Enid; and seven grandchildren. A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 6, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church, west of Enid.

Derald Dean Brainard

© Enid News and Eagle

12-03-2011

Submitted by: Jo Aguirre

ENID — Derald Dean Brainard died Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011.

He was born Nov. 12, 1932, to Elmer Benjamin Brainard and Louise Luckert. He was baptized, confirmed, married and will be laid to rest at Trinity Lutheran Church in a private service.

He married Jeanette Faye Rutz June 26,1955.

He is survived by wife, Jeanette, of the home; daughter, Brenda Dewald and husband Scott; son, Brad and wife Lisa and seven grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ through Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home, Enid.

Condolences may be made at or sent to Laduau-Evans online or at ladusauevans@suddenlinkmail.com.

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