Violet Virginia Egly Ringenberg, born July 21, 1923, married Gerald Wayne Ringenberg on her birthday, 1945, and passed away February 4, 2013. They met in college and dated for 3 years before Gerald proposed. One can hardly mention one without the other. They have worked together complimenting the other for the last 67 years! Gerald’s ministry was enhanced, strengthened and encouraged by the love of his life, Violet. Likewise, with Gerald’s support and blessing, he encouraged her in her personal ministries also. Violet’s love has always been her Savior, her husband and family, and then her Alma Mater and the family from that institution.

While students at FWBI, the Ringenbergs were active in student government, leadership, and musical groups. Violet was introduced to the Prayer parent ministry while a student herself. Daddy Ramseyer’s second wife was her prayer mother. She had first-hand experience how influential and encouraging a “prayer parent figure” was in a college student’s life. This would never leave her. She would be blessed by this ministry as a student and years later she would be the blessing to countless others in this same ministry, but this time she would be the “prayer parent.”  

Gerald was asked to preach and actually helped pastor a church while still a student. While interviewing for his first pastorate, the church really liked him and wanted to hire him but they stated they were hoping to hire a married man. Gerald replied, “I think I can take care of that!”  He had wanted to ask Violet to marry him but not without a job.  He went home, proposed and was hired! Violet’s response was “Yes I will marry you. It’s about time you asked!”

It is no surprise that once she and Gerald returned to the area, she became a strong advocate for those students at FWBC.  Whether teaching children or adults; directing choirs; or working with local rescue missions, Violet always made time for the students and needs of FWBC. She quickly became involved with the Women’s Auxiliary which would later be called Friends of FWBC. From the 1960s to the closing days of 1992, she was an active prayer parent. She had over 100 students that were her “kids.” Through this ministry she would send encouraging notes, dinner invitations, and pray regularly for her prayer student. Even after the year’s commitment, often Violet remembered all her “kids” in prayer as they came to mind. She knew each one personally. She also played an active role in alumni activities through Phonathon, Alumni Council, 1945 Class Scholarship, Housewalk Committee, every Projects committee except for faculty lounge and cafeteria projects, and Prayer Warriors for FW Alumni and Friends.

It is rare to not see the Ringenbergs at every special event for the Fort Wayne campus. About the only thing that keeps them from that is Violet’s recent illness. Despite her illness, she is still advocating to the Father on behalf of her family, her friends, and her beloved Bible College family. She loves to visit still. She loves to know how to pray and if Violet and Gerald are praying, we all know, God has heard!  

Submitted by: Shellie Burden

Comments

Joan (Moser) Held | Posted Sep 29, 2017 04:10 AM

Class of 1977

How blessed I was, not to only have this godly woman be part of my college life, but to continue our friendship throughout the years.  My grown up sons will never forget her birthday cards with a dollar or two tucked inside.  God laid it on my heart to call her a couple of weeks before her homecoming, for which I will always be grateful!  I wish she could have met our four little adopted children, but that day will come in eternity.  In the meantime, Ma has given me the best example of a selfless life lived fully and completely for the glory of God.  Ma, I love you and will miss you!  You not only began the journey well, but most importantly, you ended it well!  May we all follow your incredible example!  Love forever, Joan

Margaret (Eash) Hall | Posted Sep 29, 2017 04:09 AM

Class of 1980

I have so many fond memories of Sundays in Woodburn at the Ringenbergs during my college years - the meals, the fellowship, and a place to call "home" for a while. But reflecting back, I realize the lasting effects of those afternoons and how much the example of "Mom" Ringenberg's servant's heart has had on me through my life. I'm grateful for that, and thankful to have known this gracious woman of God.

Deb (Lehman) Shaw | Posted Sep 29, 2017 04:07 AM

Class of 1980

Violet was such an encouragement to me, especially in the last three and a half years as she supported and prayed for our agency/office.  I loved her visits and hugs.  What a godly and vivacious woman of God!

Kelly McMichael | Posted Sep 29, 2017 04:06 AM

Class of 1976

It was such a shock to hear of Mom R’s passing this week. I have felt that sting before having lost my wife of 27 years, Gaye Anderson (’78) to cancer nearly 10 years ago and now a brother-in-law with pancreatic cancer, it seems there's not a family this doesn't touch. The world has lost another “light” who was so encouraging to so many. As young students and youth pastors at Woodburn Missionary, I remember, with fondness, the warmth and conversation in their home during Sunday afternoon meals. I speak for Gaye as well when I say that I am so very grateful for her abundant grace of giving in reaching out and touching the lives of us way-faring students and to feed and encourage those, such as myself, who were so undeserving!  She exceeded "Hoosier Hospitality" and exuded the kindness and grace of the Savior!  I thank God for her "motherhood" and her prayers. I never had a praying mother until she stepped into my life as a student. I have even spoken of her to my children.  Having many conversations with her during phone-a-thons, Mom R. had been such a wonderful representative not only of the college, but the Lord himself. May our great God give his richest and fullest blessing of strength, comfort and remembrance to all of you, as her family, during this time. You are loved and covered in prayer and she is now experiencing the fullness of God’s grace and love that she displayed throughout her life. From a grateful heart, Kelly McMichael (‘76)

Brad Grabill | Posted Sep 29, 2017 04:06 AM

Class of 1971

Violet was my college "prayer mom"... and she never failed to express her love nor keep me before the Lord in her prayers. Only eternity will show the impact of such a faithful life.

Carol Mellott | Posted Sep 29, 2017 04:04 AM

My heart both aches and rejoices.  Aches that Violet is no longer on earth and will be greatly missed by her family, but rejoices that she is in the presence of Jesus and that I was able to count her as a friend.  Gerald, Roger & Carol, Dorcas & Dave, and Gary and all of your families, may God comfort you as only He can.

Richard Sommer | Posted Sep 29, 2017 03:09 AM

Class of 1979

To the family and friends of Mom Ringenberg: Heaven is rejoicing, and I am mourning.  What an awesome woman of God.  She definetly influenced the way I see ministry.  She never quit loving.    She never quit praying.  She always kept encouraging.  She always showed us how much she cared for each of us.  My heart and mind are with "Pops".  The Lord will help you and the Lord will sustain you.  I am praying for all of you.  Mom, see you in glory Your adopted son, Rich

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