Ernest Wayne Ruthardt

Ernest Wayne Ruthardt, 85, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025. Born on November 14, 1940, in Paris, Texas, to Lloyd and Mary Alice Ruthardt, Ernest lived a long, full, and wonderfully memorable life—one built on faith, family, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to the land he farmed.

At the age of three, Ernest moved with his family to Morton, Texas. Morton would remain his home for the next 67 years, shaping him into the hardworking, good-hearted, mischievous soul his family and friends knew so well. In 1963, he married the love of his life, Carol Ann Northcutt, beginning a partnership anchored in devotion, humor, and resilience. Together they celebrated 62 years of marriage on April 6, 2025.

Ernest was, in every sense, a farmer. Farming wasn’t just his livelihood—it was his identity, his passion, and his ministry. He poured his heart into his crops, his land, and the rhythm of seasons that became second nature to him. In earlier years, he enjoyed buying and selling farm equipment and found great joy in traveling with lifelong friends Howard and Thelma Scoggins and Johnny and Francis Scoggins. One of Ernest’s greatest joys was seeing the farm he devoted his life to carried on by his son-in-law, Rusty Trull, whose dedication and hard work honored Ernest’s legacy in every season.

Ernest never missed an opportunity to crack a joke or stir up some lighthearted trouble. He had a talent for teasing the people he loved most, and even on difficult days, he found a way to make someone laugh. That spark became one of his most treasured traits.

A man of deep faith, Ernest spent the majority of his life as a member of First Assembly of God in Morton, where he was rooted in community and service. For the last 15 years, he and Carol Ann made their home in Lubbock, becoming part of the Indiana Avenue Baptist Church family. There, Ernest discovered cherished friendships and spiritual encouragement in a new season of life.

Above all, Ernest loved his family—and especially the grands and great-grands who could light up his whole world just by walking into the room. He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Ruthardt; his daughter, Melissa Diahann Trull (Russell); and his grandchildren, Alissa Sells (Brantlee), Baleigh Mack (Luke), and Scyelar Hirsch (Ben). He leaves behind great-grandchildren Wyatt Hirsch, Holland Haunschild, Grayson Sells, Jack Mack, and Baby Girl Mack, who will grow up hearing stories of the strong, funny, gentle man who adored them.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Mary Alice Ruthardt, and all his siblings: James Ruthardt, Jetta Louise Smith, Irene Blackwell, and Bobby Ruthardt. Though they have all gone before him, we imagine the reunion in Heaven was one filled with joy, laughter, and probably a little good-natured teasing—one of Ernest’s specialties.

Though Ernest could charm, tease, or laugh his way through just about any moment, he also carried a steadfastness that anchored his family. He was a man who loved fully, worked tirelessly, and never hesitated to show up—whether it was in a field, a pew, or a living room full of giggling great-grandkids.

His legacy is one of faith, love, laughter, and roots—deep ones that will continue to grow through every life he touched.

Visitation for Mr. Ruthardt will be held on Friday evening, November 21, 2025, from 5 PM to 7 PM at the Venue on Broadway, 2202 Broadway, next to Combest Family Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Indiana Avenue Baptist Church, 9507 Indiana Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79423, with Senior Pastor Steve McMeans and the Reverend Brent Scoggins of Morton First Assembly of God officiating. Following services, the funeral procession will drive overland to the City of Levelland Cemetery, in Levelland, Texas, where he will be laid to rest in the family plot.  Services are under the personal care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Homes and Crematory.

Pallbearers will be Brantlee Sells, Ben Hirsch, Luke Mack, Billy Sutton, Manuel Acosta and Alvaro Flores.

In lieu of the customary offerings of flowers, the family would love for you to donate, in Ernest’s memory, to the Bereavement Fund at Indiana Avenue Baptist Church, 9507 Indiana Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79423.

For those who are unable to attend Mr. Ruthardt's services on Saturday, Indiana Avenue Baptist Church will be livestreaming the services.  On your computer, go to iabc.org, click on Media at the top of the page and in the dropdown menu click on livestream.  The button to click on to watch his services should show up approximately five (5) minutes prior to service, according to the church.  Be sure to turn your computer speakers on and turn up the volume.  For any questions or issues regarding the livestreaming by the church, please contact Indiana Avenue Baptist Church at (806) 797-9704.