Ruth Ella Chiles

Ruth Ella Braun Chiles passed away peacefully on Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024. Ruth was born May 15, 1937, to William Hugh and Nina (Malin) Braun in Kingsville, TX. Ruth was married to the love of her life, James Allen Chiles, February 7, 1969. Ruth graduated high school in Kingsville, TX. 

Ruth was a devoted Christian wife, mother, maw maw, great grandmother, aunt, and friend and lived her life serving her Lord and Savior. She was a member of several churches through out her life, but served the longest at First Baptist Church Kingsville, Tx for over 65 years. Ruth served on pastor search committee, hospitality committee, vacation bible schoolteacher, Girls in action, Women’s missions, flower committee, banner committee and numerous others. Ruth and her husband started the Mother’s Day out program at FBC Kingsville. Many lives were touched through this program. Ruth shared her love with other children’s parents with the hope they would raise their children to love Jesus.

Ruth could be found at the sewing machine, embroidery machine, crafting, flower arranging, gardening, hosting parties/showers and entertaining family and friends. Ruth and her husband hosted many pastors, missionaries, and music ministers in their home. Ruth was always willing to serve when God showed her the need.

Ruth traveled in the early years to many places, California, Arizona, Colorado, Tennessee, New Mexico, Iowa and many more. Ruth’s most favorite was her summers at River Bend on the Frio River, they had many wonderful times with family and friends.

On August 31, 2006, Ruth’s life was changed forever, she lost her ability to speak, but her love and devotion to her family never wavered. 

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents; niece, Kaeti Braun. Ruth is survived by her husband of 55 years, James Chiles; brother, William Hugh  (Peggy) Braun; brother-in-law, Mabry “Sonny” Chiles; son, Howell Hugh (Fanny Diane) Chiles; daughter, Debora Jean (Bobby) Bugenhagen; grandchildren, Nicholas (Christy) Bugenhagen, great-grandson Marcus Andrew Bugenhagen; Hailee Ruth (Greg) Bugenhagen-Krehely; James Ian (Kaley) Chiles; Lency Gayle Chiles; Katherine Nicole Chiles; nephew, Will (Lauren) Braun; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held for family and friends at First Baptist Church Bryan, Texas. Service time still pending.