Florence (Bitsy) Ayres Rubsamen

January 6, 1936 - February 4, 2024

Florence (Bitsy) Ayres Rubsamen passed into the arms of Jesus where she joined her beloved husband Rollins and a multitude of other loved ones who passed before her, early Sunday morning, February 4, 2024.

Always known as Bitsy, she was born on January 6, 1936, to Florence and Robert Ayres. Bitsy grew up in the country outside of San Antonio where she befriended many of the farm animals and wildlife around her. She had a lifelong love of all God’s creatures which she passed down to her children and grandchildren. She attended St. Mary’s Hall, Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, CT, and received her bachelor’s degree from SMU. She was married to her love, Rollins Rubsamen, for 61 years until his passing in 2019.

Bitsy loved her Lord, which created within her a passion for serving others. She served through the San Antonio Junior League as member and past president. She served her church in many capacities to include church vestries, prayer ministers and adult Bible class leader. Bitsy was a member of the Board of Trustees of Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, now Trinity School for Ministry as well as TMI Episcopal School. She worked with Hope for the Hungry in the San Antonio area and helped start Hospice San Antonio, the first independent nonprofit hospice in San Antonio, eventually serving as its chaplain. Bitsy received her spiritual direction certification from Oblate School of Theology and faithfully led a group of women, whom she cherished, in spiritual direction for over 20 years. Bitsy’s trust and love for the Lord led her to the healing ministry with the Rev. Dr. Jack Sheffield and his wife Anna Marie, working tirelessly to establish the Christ Healing Center, now known as ONE.

Bitsy also wrote three books sharing her journey, reflections, and experiences in seeking God’s love and mercy. Gentle Rain: Reflections on the Mercy of God, Becoming the Beloved: Journey to Freedom, and Living Under the Blessing for Such Times as This. In this final book, Bitsy quotes theologian Henri Nouwen, “What we have lived, we lived not just for ourselves but for others as well.” This is indeed Bitsy’s legacy.

Bitsy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is survived by her daughter Ann and husband Tim Vellom, son Rollins Rubsamen and wife Heather. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Hannah Bradley and husband Matthew, Sarah Grace Vellom, Brandon Rubsamen, Colton Rubsamen, and two great grandchildren, Samuel and Bethany, sister-in-law Patricia (Pat) Ayres as well as many nieces and nephews. She is greatly missed in all their lives.

A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5 at 11am, Christ Episcopal Church, 510 Belknap, San Antonio, TX 78212. For those unable to attend you can view a livestream of Bitsy’s service through her obituary at www.porterloring.com.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Nancy Ortiz, RN and care givers Elizabeth Hudson, Linda Valdez, Rosalinda Dearborn, Debra Frances, and Suzy Garza for their loving care of our mother for the last several years. We would also like to thank Patty Zapata, RN,

Those who wish to may send donations to ONEformerly Christ Healing Center (135 West Olmos Drive, San Antonio, TX 78212) or https://www. one-sa.com/give, Christ Episcopal Church (510 Belknap Pl, San Antonio TX 78212) or https://www. cecsa.org/giving, or the animal charity of your choice.

You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com

Arrangements with

with Gentiva Hospice.