Ruth Johnson Luhrs

Ruth Luhrs, Mom, Grandma Ruth, was born August 8, 1926 in Kansas City, Mo. She passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021 in Albuquerque, NM at the age of 94.
she was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years Van Luhrs and their first born son Andy Luhrs. She is survived by sons Ben Luhrs of Albuquerque, Chris Luhrs and his wife Martha of Cameron, NC and grandchildren Daniel and Candyce Hillerman both of Albuquerque. Ruth was an avid gardener at her home in Sandia Park. She was a charter member of the East Mountain Garden Club. She also enjoyed reading and was a founding member of the East Mountain Book Club. A published author and past president of Southwest Writers Conference, Ruth wrote many articles about NM life and gardening for both the Albuquerque Journal and the East Mountain Telegraph. She had three published books; Mountain & High Plains Gardening, Camoflage and Kidding around San Diego. Ruth was also known for baking and decorating wedding and birthday cakes for a number of East Mountain residents. Ruth was a member of the original Talking Talons Wildlife Rescue in the East Mountains for many years, specializing in small mammal rescue. She was fond of naming her rescues whimsical names. A litter of orphaned bunnies was dubbed, Honey bun, Sugar bun, Hot-cross-bun, Cinnamon bun, and Atilla the Bun (the ornery one). An expert birder, Ruth also worked with the biology Department at UNM for many years to capture, band, register and track Pinon Jays in the East Mountain area. Ruth and Van petitioned for many years to get an elementary school in the Sandia Park, area. Due to their diligence, a school was finally established in San Antonito, NM, and all three boys were able to attend. Ruth was a long time member of Mountainside United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Thursday morning Bible Study. She also, for many years, helped bake pies for the Asbury Pie Cafe at the NM State Fair, all proceeds from the Cafe going to local food banks.
Ruth and Van loved to travel, and were blessed to be able to visit many countries, and almost every state. When not traveling, Ruth loved to sit at her giant bedroom window, and watch her "critters". She was most fond of the mule deer, which wandered by the window, drank out of the birdbath, and stole all the birdseed out of the feeders. She took very detailed notes of all her critters' comings and goings, and had them all named. "Sir Eats-Alot", was her favorite buck. He would bump the bird feeders with his antlers until all the seed spilled out on his head and nose. Mom would laugh and laugh.
All in all, a life well lived, on the mountain she loved, Ruth was loved and will be truly missed by all who knew her.
Per Ruth's wishes, cremation will take place. Memorial Service will be held at Mountainside United Methodist Church on 4 Penny Lane, Cedar Crest, NM, Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Talking Talons Youth Leadership at talkingtalons.org, under the tab "Contribute".