W. Rumbaugh

Walter Benton Rumbaugh was born January 3, 1930 in Melrose, NM. The world is changed for the better because of his time and presence here. Wisest of men, kindest of heart, gentlest of spirit, Walter Benton Rumbaugh has joined the angels that eagerly awaited him on May 12, 2009. His grandson, Jeremy Rumbaugh, and his son, David Rumbaugh, were here to greet him as his new journey began. Beside him every step of the way his loving wife of 57 years and 11 months, Kathy Stephens Rumbaugh, lovingly released him into their arms. Kathy and Ben together forever created a world where love, light, laughter, and life were celebrated every moment. Kathy continues his work here on earth.

Their tribe, as Ben lovingly calls his family, includes his four children, his 14 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. His children are David Rumbaugh who preceded him in transition and his widow Lauri Rumbaugh Foster, Cheryl Rumbaugh, Beth Burroughs and husband Steve, and Rebecca Bowman and husband David . His grandchildren are Jeremy Benton Rumbaugh who preceded him in transition,Meredith Jeffreys and husband Tyson, Erica Entrop, Charles Archie and his wife Katherine, Dena Burks and her husband Phillip, Faith Archie, Stefanie Burroughs and her fianc Ryan Gannon, Stacie Burroughs, Beau Burroughs and April Darling, Daniel Rumbaugh, Joshua Kenney, Matthew Kenney and his wife Becca, Adam Kenney, Emily Foster. Great-grandchildren Logan Benton, Evan David, Destiny, Denay, Alyssa, Maya, Amare, Hope, Daniel, Jacob, Hayden, Robert and Izzaiah.

He was also preceded in transition by his father and mother, Raymond and Lorena Rumbaugh and his sister, Fern Rumbaugh Taylor.

Ben served in the Army during the Korean conflict, worked as a guide for the National Park Service, as a minister, and a teacher. Serving, guiding, ministering, and teaching is what he did every moment of every day, and he did it simply and seamlessly for it is the very essence of who he is. Ben was a teacher in the Roswell schools for over 25 years. Although Ben was a teacher, he was also a student of life, exploring the
ersity of life. He taught us how to live in heaven while still on earth. Life is eternal. Love is God in action. Words of wisdom were pearls that he shared with a smile. He shared his discoveries by poetry, short stories, and cards. Some of his work was published.

The latest card was:

The Truth.

All religions are man-made and depend upon obedient believers.

Heaven and Hell are not locations but state of mind that can

Only exist in the present moment.

Everyone is a Child of God, but often we forget this simple truth.
PLife is my GodLife gives Possibilitie