Renate Clara Ruppert was born on August 20, 1923, in Slawgorod, Siberia, to David and Sarah Penner. In 1929 the family traveled to Moscow in an effort to leave Russia. Instead of being able to emigrate, her father was detained and sent back to a concentration camp in Siberia where he died after ten years of imprisonment. Later her mother, two brothers, and three sisters were also incarcerated; only her sisters survived. Helen was released after six months, and the other two sisters were able to gain their freedom eight years later, at the end of World War II. Left alone with only one sister, Helen, they became refugees in Germany and were finally able to emigrate to Canada in 1948. They settled in Vancouver, BC where Renate held various jobs in a hospital, a factory, and the Jericho Hill School for deaf and blind children. In 1963 she moved to Clearbrook, BC where for seven years she worked at the Tabor Home. While living in Clearbrook she met George Christian Ruppert who became very interested in getting to know her better. At first, she did not accept his courtship because he was not a Christian. He was persistent, however, and asked for time so that he could get to know her and understand her beliefs. She gave him all the time in the world, but refused to marry him until she was sure that he had become a committed Christian. After George was baptized they had a short courtship and then got married on May 23, 1970. They had a very good relationship that lasted 28 years. On May 16, 1998, George went to his heavenly home. Renate had many friends due in part to her sunny personality – but the friend she felt closest to was the Lord Jesus. Early on in her relationship with Him she often struggled with doubts. But then one day, when she was attending an evangelistic rally with the Janz Team, she had a vision where everything around her suddenly went dark, and the only thing she saw was the figure of Jesus who asked her: “Du willst nicht?” (Do you not also want to come?”) At once she answered joyfully: “Ja, Herr ich will.” (“Yes, Lord, I want to.) At that moment she felt as if everything about her was stripped away and she was clothed anew. A great joy filled her heart which never left her, and she never doubted again. This joy radiated from her face and spread to all who met her. Renate loved to be involved in her church. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, made floral arrangements, and generally helped out where she could. She never missed a meeting while her health permitted it. Renate is predeceased by her husband George and all her siblings. She leaves to mourn many friends who will sorely miss her loving support, her listening ear, her friendly smile, and her contagious laughter.
