LaRue Gengenbach Roether, 89,  formerly of Eustis, Nebraska, died November 21st, 2012, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  

LaRue was born April 26th, 1923, to William and Martha (Hueftle) Gengenbach, on their farm two miles east of Eustis.

While playing tuba at a summer band concert, LaRue met Henry Roether, her husband of 70 years. After honeymooning at Lake Tahoe, they lived in Vallejo, California, where Henry worked as an electrician on submarines at the Mare Island Naval Yard.  Their daughters, Linda and Lana, were born there.  After returning to Nebraska, they farmed in Brady and Eddyville before settling in Eustis in 1964.

LaRue was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. She served many terms as president or secretary of the Mary Martha circle.  When the plans were being made for the senior center, she was on the governing board. Subsequently, she rolled, cut and bagged many pounds of noodles for the senior center. Other activities include coaching a girl’s softball team, playing washboard in a kitchen band, extension clubs, garden clubs and shrine auxiliary.

She worked at the Mercantile store and in the school lunch room, but her real love was being a farm wife. “I’m just a country girl,” she would reply when people asked her where she was from. Gardening both flowers and vegetables was a passion. She shared the bounty with everyone, after canning and freezing all her family needed. She was an excellent cook; pretzels and cinnamon rolls were always requested whenever the grand and great grandchildren came. Friends and relatives were also recipients of her gift of hospitality.

LaRue’s positive attitude was demonstrated in her two favorite expressions, “Such is life” and “You just make your mind up and you do it.” We won’t forget her competitiveness at cards, her laugh and sense of humor, and her deep love for her family. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

Survivors include her daughters, Linda (Bill) Hinkle, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lana Morganflash, Rotterdam, Holland; grandchildren, Sandy (Steve) Taylor, Michelle (Wally) Martin, Beth Hinkle, Al (Wendy) League, JJ (Amy) League; eight great-grandchildren, Brandy Taylor, Spike and Morgan Martin, Jaron, Alexis and Cailee League and Austin and Evan League; sister-in-law, Delores Gengenbach; numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. LaRue was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, her parents, a sister, brother and granddaughter.

A memorial service will be held December 29th, 2012, at 11 a.m. at St John’s Lutheran Church in Eustis, reception following. Private inurnment in the East Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the family at 11215 Costa del Sol NE Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87111, to be designated to Eustis organizations.