March 13, 1949 – September 1, 2024
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ruth Ann Lee Krajefska on September 1, 2024 (born March 13, 1949, age 75) of Pearland, Texas. Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Cornelius Earl Lee and Ruth Grey Lee King and her brother, Robert Lee. She is survived by her loving husband, James (Jim) Dean Krajefska, her sister, Betty Lee Johnson, and her husband, Jim Johnson. She is survived by her son Brandon Rue and his wife Sharley Rue, son Nathan Rue and significant other Kailyn King, stepson James Dean (Bo) Krajefska, Jr., and wife Mindy.
Ruth Ann leaves a legacy with grandchildren Taylor Rue (significant other, Cameron Shelton), Cameron Latham (husband Gunnar Latham, and their child, Cash Latham, Ruth Ann's great-grandchild), Ella Rue, Mackenzie Dearmond, Mia Dearmond, and Tommy Dearmond (Brandon’s children), and Ashton Davis and Payton Rue (Nathan’s children). Ruth Ann is lovingly remembered by beloved nieces and nephews Kim Rogers, Jimmy Johnson, and Amy Peralta (husband Jesus), Sharon Lennox (husband Steve), Neal Lee (wife Kayla), and Tim Lee (wife Katie). Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her niece, Lisa Toland (survived by her husband, Mike Toland).
Ruth Ann was the valedictorian of her 1967 Minden High School class and went on to attend McNeese State University on a full academic scholarship. Her love of learning was a lifelong passion that she shared with her students over a 26-year career with Friendswood ISD. She taught English, Reading, and Creative Writing, first at Friendswood Junior High from 1978 to 1982 and later at Friendswood High School from 1982 to 2004. She sponsored UIL events and co-coached the Academic Decathlon Team. Under her guidance, the team won its first State Championship, which she celebrated with the words, “Nothing like winning with your mind!” Ruth Ann had a brilliant mind and was deeply committed to personal learning and sharing that knowledge with others.
Ruth Ann's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted Christian, actively participating as a Heritage Park Baptist Church member in Webster, TX. Her faith was a guiding light she carried in all aspects of her life. Beyond her professional achievements, Ruth Ann was a beloved teacher, devoted friend, and stellar role model. She was always positive, encouraging, patient, and kindhearted, with an uncanny ability to analyze situations and provide logical and sound advice. Ruth Ann always comforted others by saying, “This too shall pass,” hoping to show them the brighter days ahead and that there are always reasons to be grateful and thankful. Ruth Ann loved her family fiercely. She cherished the moments spent with her grandchildren, rubbing their backs before bedtime and tutoring them for the SAT. Ruth Ann was their biggest cheerleader, attending all their sporting events and extracurricular activities. She also found great joy at her childhood family farm in Minden, Louisiana. Ruth Ann was a beam of light that shines upon us all, and we will forever hold her in our hearts.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024 from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, Texas 77546 (281) 992-7200.
Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.
20 thoughts on “Ruth Ann Lee Krajefska”
I was blessed to have Ms Rue as a teacher in both Junior High and High School. She had such a positive and gentle spirit. She made learning a joy. When I look back on those early years and the teachers who made the biggest impact on my life, Ms Rue is among the greatest of them. My deepest sympathy to all who are touched by her loss.
I was blessed to know Mrs K. when I was at FHS in the early 1990s and then for the many years I volunteered in FISD after that. I loved her energy and enthusiasm for kids and life. I always knew when she had a question I better bring my best because she had high expectations. I will miss being there to celebrate her life and my thoughts and prayers are with all of her family.
Ruth Ann and her husband Jim have been our beloved neighbors and friends for 27 years. We shared the achievements of our grandchildren as they grew up. We will miss her.
My deepest sympathy to the family in the loss of Ruth Ann. I always enjoyed her visits to Henderson to see Betty and Jim in our younger years. May God receive her in his loving arms. Rest in peace good and faithful servant. Love to the family.
Ruthanne was a powerful force in my life. She saw a scared 10 yr old red-headed girl with no self-esteem and completely changed my life. She taught me empathy and courage. I’m grateful that I was able to thank her in person years later. I can only imagine how many lives she touched while on this earth. May she rest in peace.
I had Ms Rue (her name at the time). She loved teaching. She was kind and loving and a great teacher. She was always happy and put up with some silly teen through her years. My prayers to the family. Nathan and Cameron, your mom was a really neat lady, as you know that! Prayers to you all
Mrs. K made a major impact on me in high school. She was an amazing woman and great teacher. I'm 45 and still remember her kind word and encouragement. I never settled in her class and she helped me find the written word and bring out a talent that I never knew I had.
What a wonderful woman!
I had her at FHS and loved her and became a secondary English teacher myself! Partly because of her influence. I’m not sure if she ever knew this.
I loved having Mrs. Rue/K as an English teacher back in high school. I definitely contribute some of my love of reading from the zeal and joy she shared when discussing literature with us. Sending prayers of comfort for her family.
I had the distinct pleasure of knowing Mrs. Rue first as a soccer teammate's mother (Brandon) and then as my English teacher at FHS. Such a pleasant, caring, and happy woman.
Mrs. Rue (at the time) was my 7th grade English teacher. It was my first year in Friendswood schools and she really helped me adjust and manage the teenage girl drama. She truly made me feel heard and encouraged me through a rough patch. She truly left a legacy through her teaching and mentoring. My prayers go out to her entire family.
Mrs. Krajefska literally breathed life into my troubled heart when I was in high school. She saw something in me that I had lost in myself, and she poured into me until I started to believe it again . I went on to become a teacher, and still to this day the way she made me feel heard and seen is how I pour into those kids in my own classroom. She has, and always will, have such a precious place in my heart. I loved seeing her out in the community every now and then. We would never skip a beat, as she even now , years later, made me dream big and feel so loved. I am so lucky to have had her come into my life when she did. God had a plan for me, and Ruth Ann was the wind in my sails that helped me fly. Much love to you all. (Allison Svarplaitis class of 2001 + FJH teacher)
Mrs. Krajefska has a very special place in our hearts. She inspired me to become an educator and to be one of the ones who make a real difference, challenging and loving her students. Our hearts are broken, and our prayers are with the family. Mrs. Rue and Colton also had a special bond, and we are grateful for her lasting impact on not only me and John, but him as well. Her guiding light made us better! Though she is no longer with us, I know she is dancing with joy in heaven, embraced by God's love."
Prayers to the Rue and Krajefska families. Ruth Ann was such a delightful person! May God be with you all.
Laura Hunter
Mrs. Rue/K was truly one of a kind. I was fortunate that she was my Honors English teacher at FHS for both 9th grade and 11 grade. Not only did she encourage and inspire me to be a great learner, she was a major influence in my life when it came to life lessons and relationships. Her wit and unabashed advice helped me navigate early high school friendships, and her genuine support and encouragement of my relationship with my girlfriend at the time (Kim – who I married) was so helpful. For many years after, I continued to see and visit with her around Friendswood and on area soccer fields when she was cheering on her grandkids. She was an icon at FHS and her love is legendary. My prayers and love are shared with her entire family.
My sympathy goes out to Ruth Ann’s family. She was such a positive influence on so many people and was dearly loved by her sister Betty and many others. Rest in peace and know that you were loved.
My heart is heavy tonight. You were my favorite teacher. Ever. You pushed me to become a writer, you encouraged me when no one else did, and you saw in me what I didn’t see myself. You held us all up when our classmates died, and you kept us laughing when things seemed so dark. Thank you for the light you shined, and thank you for teaching me. Oh, and don’t worry: I got my Mary Tyler Moore time 🙂 you were right! It made all the difference in my life. I’ll miss you and I won’t forget you.
You made very small encouraging comments to me because you knew I wouldn’t trust anything stronger at that time in my life. Your gift was acknowledging a world around a student and being a strong but respectful voice of reason. Your class was at the edge of the school and it felt like another world- a glimpse into the future. Your presence made so many days so much better. I often thought of you when going on to teach at secondary and post-secondary levels. Kindness and serious critical examination can not only co-exist, but wow… when they do, it’s magical learning! You didn’t have to be so excellent, so observant, and so authentic, but you showed up and showed us every single day that you cared and it mattered to keep trying. Rest in Peace. I will read some great American fiction tonight to my daughter in your honor.
Ruth Ann and I taught together at FHS for 18 years. So many great memories of her laugh at so many times. She always supported her boys and their sports teams. The long hours we spent together at Academic Decathlon meets as I drove the bus for the team. She also supported the girls teams when I was coaching. So many memories of a special friend who was so smart and well read. Jim, Brandon and Nathan I am so sorry for your loss and hate that you had to suffer through losing her for so long. Life is not fair and neither is death. Hold on to the positive memories as you grieve her loss. Blessings and prayers.
Nathan, Brandon and family, I have such sweet memories of your dear Mom. What a wonderful example she was of how to treat others, while touching some many along the way. May the strength of the Lord be with you.