Ruth Loretta Muhlbauer, 72, of Austin, died Friday, May 30, 2014, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin.

Ruth was born on January 2, 1942, to Edmund and Loretta (Fink) Bissen. She attended grade school and high school in Austin and graduated in 1959. She married James Muhlbauer on July 18, 1959, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Austin. They later divorced but remained friends.

Ruth lived and raised her family in Austin where she worked at Jupiter and Kmart. She later worked at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home.

Ruth enjoyed spending time reading books. She also enjoyed word searches, playing cards, gardening and joking around with her grandchildren. Ruth was a down-to-earth woman who was a fun person to be around. She made everyone feel comfortable and like she was their friend. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Ruth is survived by James Muhlbauer of Austin; daughters, Deb (Tom) Haugland of Austin, Linda (Dave) Miller of Austin, Stacey (Tim) Nazarro of Topeka, Kan., Cheryl Muhlbauer (Jason Legried) of Austin and Joleen Muhlbauer (Tom Brewster) of Austin; grandchildren, Dan, Eric, Kyle, Bobby, Shayna, Cortnee, Caitlin, Jake and Maggie; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Tyler and Oliver.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents; daughters Cindy and Joyce Muhlbauer; grandchildren Jacob Muhlbauer and Jeremy Miller; four brothers and two sisters.

A memorial service will be 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2014, at Mayer Funeral Home with visitation starting at 1 p.m.

Burial will be private. Condolences can be made online at condolences-www.mayerfh.com.