Ruthanne Townsend Obituary

Ruthanne Townsend, age 52, a resident of Colorado Springs since 2007 went to be with Jesus on Friday, September 23, 2011 after a brief illness. She was a gifted performance musician who played the piano, organ and accordion. She also was an excellent piano teacher. She lived in California for 20 years working with a variety of churches and musicians. While living there, at Ruthanne's kitchen table, the song "Mary Did You Know?" was written by her friend, Mark Lowry. Ruth Ann was born on March 24, 1959 in Enterprise, Alabama to the late James and Virginia (Meyer) Townsend. She attended Mitchell High School and was a member of the Springs Ranch Baptist Church. She was a very frank person who was who she said she was...and had many various interests. Ruthanne was the biggest Broncos and Rockies fan ever. To know her was to love her. Even though she was a "germaphobe," she loved animals and brought her collection of pet frogs with her when she moved from California. She is survived by her beloved dog: "Elway" and her cat: "Kiki-Goo." She is also survived by her aunt: Dolores (and husband, Uncle Jerry) Nostrand of Colorado Springs and her cousin: Belinda (husband, Randy) Monroe of Colorado Springs. She was preceded in death by her parents and her infant sister: Donna Marie. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 6, 2011 at the Circle Drive Baptist Church, 801 N. Circle Drive with the Rev. Graham Prouty, officiating. The worship team, praise band and various musicians will be participating in this celebration. Please don't wear black... or ties! Frogs are welcome. She will be entombed privately prior to the event that day with her mother and grandmother at the Shrine of Remembrance Chapel Mausoleum. Surely God will have the grandest gold piano with keys of diamonds for her to play in the mansion he has prepared for this musical angel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Springs Ranch Baptist Church, 3850 Pony Tracks, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80922 Blessed be her memory.

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Published by The Gazette on Oct. 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruthanne Townsend

8 Entries

Lorrie Davids

October 6, 2011

Through facebook, Ruthanne and I were able to reconnect a little over a year ago after about 20 years of lost contact. It was like no time had passed as she shared her heart; what she had been doing, what she wanted to do next and asking about my family. Her talent and her love for her God, her family and friends was pretty much unlimited. I am glad to have known her, and know I will see her again someday; saddened that she is not on this earth anymore, but excited that she has attained her prize.

Michael & Paulette

Michael & Paulette Buckingham

October 6, 2011

Although we've been separated by distance and years, Ruthanne was a special friend to both my wife Paulette and myself. You could not be around Ruthanne and not enjoy life. I'm happy to have reconnected recently through email, but sad that we'll have to wait until heaven to see each other again.

October 5, 2011

"Ruthanne, my heart is heavy with this news. I'm glad we were able to reconnect before your passing on to our eternal home. I'm sure Lee was so excited to see you. Until we all see each other again. I Love You and will miss you. Lori Gunnarson (Camarillo, CA)

October 5, 2011

I'm so thankful to God for having known you. What a blessing you have been in my life that we have played music and worshipped the King of kings together. There is no one who could play "Perfect Love" like you could. I am so profoundly glad that we got to play one more time together this past August. I wonder if you know right now that that was a high point in my life. I will miss you, but I look forward to seeing you again soon around His throne.
John Donovan, Colorado Springs

Phil & Judy Turner

October 3, 2011

Sweet friend even though you left us much too soon, being part of the family of God means a great reunion for all of us someday. Wish Phil & I could be there for your celebration of life, but we will be celebrating in MO.

kelley turner butler

October 3, 2011

ruthanne, our hearts hurt at your passing, but jesus is enjoying having you with him now. you were thee pianist and thanks for acknowledging that i was thee redhead. i was honored to be counted among the multitudes as your friend. you have etched many memories on my heart and i will fondly remember them as time marches on. i hope at the banqueting table there will be some sooooshi! love you, rat!

Jerrie Downing

October 2, 2011

I did not know Ruthanne well, but have to agree with the "to Know her was to love her". She told you what she thought, but was also very warm and welcoming. How cool is it that "Mary Did you Know" was written at her kitchen table? That is my FAVORITE modern Christmas song. She was such a talented musician. I am not surprised other talented musicians sought her input.

Nita Hancock

October 2, 2011

Ruthanne, You were a joy in my life, you showed me what it meant to speak frankly about what you feel, you were so patient with me and my "long" fingernails while trying to re-teach me the piano, we laughed so hard, and cried so hard together. You told me at the end to just "say it like it is", and even though it hurt more than words can say, I was honored to spend your last minutes on earth with you. I know you are playing that Grand Piano, and telling the angels who is off key...I love and miss you so much - I'm looking forward to seeing you again some glorious day...Nita

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