Ruth Bader Polanco, 90, a resident of Silver City, NM, entered eternal rest Saturday August 23, 2025, at Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City, NM. She was born August 18, 1935 to her parents, Josef and Barbara (Ruder) Bader, in Furth, Germany. An extremely strong and courageous woman, Ruth left her home country of Germany as a military wife in 1956. At the age of 21, with her kids in tow, she moved into her mothers-in-law's (Avelina Polanco) home in Gila N.M. Ruth spoke only German, Avelina only spoke Spanish. Yet together with a combined 5 kids in a two-bedroom house in Gila, they somehow made it work. Ruth eventually taught herself how to speak English by watching the show American Bandstand on T.V.
Ruth found tremendous joy in life through her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was always quick to tell anyone that would listen how proud she was of each and every one of them. Her home was the center of their universe, always open to anyone and was the gathering place for all things family.
An absolute wonderful cook, she had mastered German, Italian, American, Mexican food and made what is arguably the best red chili known to mankind. She loved sports. Whether it was the Mavericks, the Steelers, or the Cubs, she was watching it. Soccer was her favorite, if Germany was playing, she would call everyone to let them know and always route for her home team from Germany.
She loved fresh flowers, stray cats, a glass of wine with her many fantastic neighbors, and a Sunday brunch at La Familia.
She will be truly missed by anyone who knew her.
She is survived by her son, Hilario "Larry" Polanco of Silver City, NM; her two daughters, Rose Marie Placencia (Joe) of Silver City, NM and Sandra Ellison (Randy) of Silver City, NM; her two sisters, Irmgard Prusse of Germany and Edith Bader of Germany; her seven grandchildren, Joey Placencia (Aimee), Jennifer Nusbaum (Eric), Julie Frederick (Andrew), Tanner Ellison (Mikalah), Katelyn Heiden (Ryan), Kristina Adragna (Shannon), Keenan Polanco (Emily); her eleven great grandchildren, Andres, Audriana, Adelina, Desiree, Ella, Mila, Blake, Wyatt, Raylee, Arya, Haylen; her numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Julio Maldonado Polanco; her son, Gerhard Polanco; her sister, Agnes Dittmar.
Visitations will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at Terrazas Funeral Chapels (Santa Clara) at 10:30am-11:00am with the Holy Rosary commencing at 11:00am, recited by Dr. Gilbert Arizaga. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Newman Center (Silver City) at 1:00pm, with Father Ephraim Ezulike officiating. The inurnment will be Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 11:00am at Fort Bayard National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her beloved, Julio. Pallbearers are Joey Placencia, Eric Nusbaum, Andrew Frederick, Tanner Ellison, Keenan Polanco and Ryan Heiden. Honorary Pallbearers are all her nieces and nephews.
Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trust care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
