Ruth Vernon Buchholz

Ruth Vernon Buchholz, B.A. ’49, a devoted community leader and longtime resident of Garland and Dallas, TX, passed away Feb. 2. Born May 21, 1928, 
in Vernon, TX, she was the daughter of E.A. and Lorena Vernon and sister to Mack Vernon.

A 1949 graduate of Baylor University, Buchholz was active in student life, serving as a reporter for The Baylor Lariat and contributing to the yearbook. Following graduation, she worked for the U.S. Department of State in Bad Godesberg, Germany, before returning to Texas to teach and later serve as an executive secretary at Mobil Oil.

In 1958, she met her future husband, Don Buchholz, A.B.C. ’94, on a blind date arranged by a mutual friend. They married a few days later and spent 60 years together before Don’s passing in 2019. The couple raised two children and made Garland their home for over four decades.

Buchholz dedicated her life to faith, family and service. Her extensive civic and philanthropic contributions included leadership roles in over 75 organizations. She served on the Baylor Healthcare System Foundation Advisory Board and was a passionate supporter of the Louise Herrington School of Nursing, Junior Three Arts, First Baptist Church of Garland and, later, Park Cities Baptist Church.

In recognition of her impact, Buchholz received numerous honors, including the 1974 Texas Clubwoman of the Year for her work on the Garland Women’s Activities Building, Garland’s Tall Texan Award (1992), and the Baylor University Dallas Women’s Council Woman of the Year (1996). She and Don also established a scholarship fund at Baylor University.

Buchholz will be remembered for her unwavering faith, civic leadership and lifelong commitment to education, healthcare and the betterment of her community.