Mrs. B.C. (Ruth) Aughenbaugh, age 94, of rural Iroquois, passed away Saturday evening, November 11, 2006, at her home with her family present. Her funeral service will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 15th, at the Esmond United Methodist Church at Esmond with Rev. Kris Larson, Rev. Dan Aughenbaugh and Father Cathal Gallagher officiating. Burial will be at the Esmond Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday with the family present at the Welter Funeral Home or prior to the service at the church Wednesday morning. Ruth Aughenbaugh was born Ruth Bernice Martin on November 15, 1911 to Bert and Ethel (Jones) Martin at Iroquois, SD and lived her entire life in the Iroquois area. A friend recently described Ruth as an Angel on Earth and this showed throughout the community as she touched so many lives in her sincere, loving way. She was the oldest of 3 children, attended Iroquois school all 12 years and after graduating from there continued her education earning an accounting degree from Nettleton Business College in Sioux Falls. During these depression years she bussed tables to pay for her room and board and then worked in the accounting field in Huron and was also employed as a switchboard operator in Iroquois. Ruth was an accomplished clarinetist and played in the Iroquois band. The band became the official SD REA band and performed statewide and at the National Convention in Chicago, Ill. Ruth met the absolute love of her life, Burdette Aughenbaugh, at band practice. They were married on January 26, 1933 in Huron. A federal loan in the thirties gave Burdette (B.C.) and Ruth the opportunity to establish the beginning of their farm located five miles southeast of Iroquois. BC said they were able to build their future from this in large part because of Ruths accounting and bookkeeping abilities. Along with their children, they have been involved with farming and raising livestock their entire life at this location. Ruth cooked for her family and extended family of farmhands until the time of her death. All who know her will comment about the warm welcome into their home and her home-cooked meals. Ruth and BC were pioneers in the community and worked together to bring innovative and advanced services to the rural area such as REA and telephone services. Ruth was very active in the Esmond community and was a Charter Member of the United Methodist Womens organization in Esmond which is well known for its Harvest Home community smorgasbord suppers. Ruth was instrumental in bringing baton twirling to the area and began a family legacy as she started her 3 young daughters with baton twirling lessons to perform with the Iroquois REA band. Along with encouraging and supporting her daughters and many other young girls, she promoted the art of baton twirling locally and nationwide. In recognition of their support and accomplishments, Governor Richard Kneip presented a plaque and proclaimed BC and Ruth the Baton Twirling Mom and Dad of SD in 1972. An annual award, the Aughenbaugh Dynasty Traveling Trophy, has been named in their honor by the National Baton Twirling Assn and is presented annually to the National Baton Twirling Team Champions. Ruth has been an avid supporter and continual true fan of stock car racing. She looked forward to NASCAR race days and would discuss track conditions and point standings with the rest of the family. BC and Ruth were an integral part of the Denny Gross # 60 pit crew and race team for many years. Ruths legacy will also continue through the many individuals that she recognized and motivated to pursue their special talents in a unique and loving way. She was an active and very involved member of the Esmond United Methodist Church. Ruth was an inspirational and absolutely amazing Super Mom to her 5 children, Joanne, and husband Gene, Schlueter, Iroquois; Alan, and wife Kathy, Aughenbaugh, Iroquois; Marilyn, and husband Gordie, Skyberg, DeSmet; Rick, and wife Vicky, Aughenbaugh, Iroquois; and Rita Anderson, Arvada, Colorado; grandchildren, Geanna and Jeff DeBenedetti, Tracy, CA; Alan Schlueter, Brookings; Tim and Renae Aughenbaugh, DeSmet; Kirk Aughenbaugh, Huron; Joni and Chad Glanzer, Mitchell; Cory Aughenbaugh, Sioux Falls; Mark and Kara Aughenbaugh, Brookings; Bret and Andrea Anderson, Wray, CO; and Nicole and Bo Penney, Johnstown, CO; 14 great-grandchildren; one sister, Lucille (Melvin) Rieck, Clearwater, MN and many nieces and nephews. She will also be greatly missed by BCs remaining siblings, Glen (Jan); Wayne (Lena); Hiland (Irene); and Tom (Virginia) and families. She was preceded in death by her husband BC; one daughter, Peggy; her parents and 1 brother, Arlo Martin. The Esmond church was always very important to Ruth. Memorial funds will be directed to special projects for the church.