Evelyn Ruth Stroud

It is with deep love and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Evelyn Ruth Stroud, who went to be with her beloved husband on March 11, 2026.

Born the youngest of six children, she was lovingly nicknamed “Baby Ruth” by her father. A gifted student, she graduated as salutatorian at just 16 years old and went on to attend Pan American University. In the summer of 1957, she met the love of her life on the set of the television show Hayloft Jamboree. She and her husband were married on October 19, 1957, in Sweetwater, Texas, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love and devotion.

They began their life together in Kingsville, Texas, where they welcomed their first child, and later settled in Harlingen, where they raised their family. Together, they built a life centered on faith, hard work, and family. She and her husband both earned their broker’s licenses and owned a real estate business in Brownsville, where she skillfully managed the office while raising her children.

She had a servant’s heart and found joy in giving back to others. She was an active member of the Junior Service League and spent many hours playing piano and singing at nursing homes throughout the Rio Grande Valley. She also treasured the friendships she made through her longtime Bunco group.

In the early 1980s, she helped operate the family’s boot manufacturing business, Longhorn Boot Company, in La Feria, Texas. Despite her many responsibilities, she was always present for her children, making her family her greatest priority.

In 1990, she and her husband moved to Austin, where she worked for the Dean of Engineering at the University of Texas as an administrative assistant, a role she truly loved. She was known for her organization, attention to detail, and the care she showed to everyone around her. She formed lasting friendships there and left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

After retiring, she returned to Harlingen in 2005. She lovingly cared for her husband during his illness until his passing in 2010, demonstrating unwavering devotion. In the years that followed, she found comfort in time spent with family and friends, enjoying simple pleasures like dancing, shared meals, and meaningful companionship.

She faced life’s challenges with quiet strength and an unwavering optimism, choosing joy even in difficult times. Known for her kindness and warm spirit, she welcomed everyone with open arms, always ready to offer a meal, a kind word, or a listening ear. To know her was to be loved by her.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren and dedicated her life to their happiness and success.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Michael Shawn Stroud (Jennifer) and Suzanne Michelle Parke (Joseph); her grandchildren, Jason Scott Weinberg (Lola), Matthew Brock Herman (Carissa), Joseph Wayne Parke Jr., and Lena Jeannette Parke; and her great-grandchildren, Lucca Elwyn Herman, Eris Evelyn Herman, and Amira Marie Parke. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of 52 years, Bob Stroud; her daughter, Kathryn Diane Weinberg; as well as her parents and siblings.

She will be remembered as a gracious and gentle soul, a devoted wife and mother, and a woman whose love and kindness touched everyone she met.

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