Elisabeth Rue Pink

Elisabeth Jane Rue was born on July 7, 1929, at the Florence Nightingale Maternity Hospital at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, Texas. She passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of April 5th after 95 years of life. While growing up in Texas, she attended schools in Hillsboro, Paris, Mesquite and Wichita Falls. Elisabeth graduated from Ft. Davis High School, attended Trinity University in San Antonio and received her BA from Midwestern University in Wichita Falls, Texas.

She met her lifelong love, Erwin G. Pink, in 1945 at the age of 16. They were married in 1951 during his third year at Southwestern Medical School. After his graduation they moved to Frisco, Texas and lived there for 54 wonderful years. Upon the death of her husband in 2006, Elisabeth relocated to Dallas in the Old Parkland Hospital neighborhood near the apartment they shared as newlyweds. This brought her great comfort!

As a young woman, Elisabeth taught grades 1-6 in a variety of subjects and tutored students of all ages in various fields. She spent time as a teacher in Wichita Falls, Dallas and Pleasant Grove. She loved telling stories about her students and was especially proud of her grit and determination during this time in helping Erwin through his training.

She had a great passion for history and was involved in all facets of preservation and restoration, tirelessly volunteering her time and talents to the communities around her. She was instrumental in searching out and securing historical markers for various buildings, churches and cemeteries all over Collin County. Elisabeth was appointed to the Collin County Historical Commission in 1975 and was elected as chairman for eight years. She was the director and curator of the Old Post Office Museum in McKinney, Texas, which was one of her greatest interests and achievements.

In 1994, Elisabeth was honored as one of Frisco's "Silver Citizens of the Year" for her efforts and commitment to the city's development and growth. In 2004 she and Dr. Pink were honored as "Living Legends" by the Board of Collin County Community College. They were also leading members of the Heritage Association of Frisco, which works to keep Frisco's traditions and history alive. In 2005 they were further honored by the naming of the Erwin G. and Elisabeth Pink Elementary School. Her visits and involvement with the teachers and children over the years there brought her much joy.

Elisabeth held many offices in the Frisco PTA from 1952-1980, Red Cross co-chairman for 10 years, served 3 years on the Collin County MHMR board, president of the Garden Club where she served in many capacities, as well as her involvement in other community interests too numerous to list.

During her early years in Frisco, she greatly enjoyed helping her husband at the Frisco Medical Clinic, not only in the offices, but also as his nursing attendant and any other job that needed attention (especially her favorite, which was helping to deliver babies). She was a loyal and loving helpmate to her husband in all the years they were together. Anyone who knew Elisabeth also knew that "Pink" or "Doc" was her priority and her great love in life.

Elisabeth also raised 4 children during these years and passed down a love of animals and passion for rescue and wildlife preservation. Throughout her life she kept and cared for horses, sheep, chickens, rabbits, birds, llamas, chinchillas and made very special pets of a raccoon, possum, dove and pig - just to name a few! Elisabeth was known to welcome all, people and animals alike, into her home with great hospitality; as well as caring for and caretaking family members all throughout her life.

Elisabeth will be warmly remembered by her tenacity and strength, her countless incredible stories, funny quips, classic sayings that always said things perfectly, and her dedication to her community and family. She was vivacious, always active, and approached each day with energy and a sense of purpose. Her successes were not just in her accomplishments but in the lives she touched and legacy she leaves behind. She was a passionate member of the Presbyterian Church and spoke often of seeing her parents again one day. We are deeply comforted that she is now with her Lord and loved ones.

Elisabeth is survived by her children, Suzanne Cornelius, Janet Prejean, Mary Escobedo and Philip Pink (Steven); nephew, Anthony Rue; and niece, Mamie Kraus.

She is also survived by grandchildren, John Pautsky, Erin Anthony, Martha Cornelius, Ryan Cornelius, Joe Escobedo (Rebecca), Philip Escobedo and Elisabeth Dena (Brian); as well as 10 great-grandchildren, Daegan, Kai, Samuel, Isaac, Benjamin, Jonathan, Rachel, Natalie, Luke and Oliver.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Erwin G. Pink; her parents, Rev. Alvin O. Rue and Nita Hayes Rue; brother, Alvin O. Rue, Jr. and his spouse, Janet Stirling Rue; niece, Julie Keane; and sons-in-law, Dan Prejean and Edward Escobedo.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Stew Pot, First Presbyterian Church Dallas, Texas.

A Graveside Service for Elisabeth will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225.