Ruth E. Schoetz

Ruth Elizabeth Schoetz (Ryan), age 88, passed away on May 21, 2025. Up until the end Ruth maintained her kindness, compassion and love of her family, friends, faith and felines.

She was born on April 24, 1937, in Merrill, Wisconsin, to parents Doctor Francis Ryan and Olive (Fuller). Ruth grew up in a family of six children: three boys, Jim, Pat and Joe: and three girls, Mary Ann, Rose and herself. She and Joe were the last of the siblings, bonding over many shared experiences along the way. Ruth graduated from Our Lady of Holy Cross in 1955 and Cardinal Strict College with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. She went back to college in 1984 to obtain an associate’s degree in nursing from Rock Valley College. All of her careers focused on children including teaching grade school, disabled children, and working in day care. She met the love of her life in grade school, Michael, fostering a strong relationship in high school. They married on August 20, 1960, and together they nurtured three loving children, Peter, in 1961, Mari in 1962 and Julie in 1964. Never being blessed with her own grandchildren, she choose to unofficially adopt many. These relationships were very dear to Ruth.

Friendships were especially important to Ruth, holding lifelong companionships with the girls from Holy Cross. Over the years they would gather frequently to reminisce about times past and to build new memories. Michael’s career had them moving across the Midwest while the children were young and later to California, settling back in Wisconsin in 1999. With every move Ruth made forever friends, many which remain dear to her to this day.

Faith was of great significance to Ruth. She relied on her faith over the years and believed that relationships found there supported her need for service. Through faith, her bonds led to many acts of charity which included sewing clothing for children of traveling missionaries. Wherever Ruth lived she found a faith community and enjoyed attending bible study.

Her love for felines started at a very young age, always having at least one and up to four at one point. She would foster strays until they bonded with her, and then they would share a forever home. Her last, Darby, a refugee that spent most of his time in her closet, Ruth coaxed him out to become her loving lap companion.

Ruth enjoyed many hobbies over the years including: sewing, quilting, crafting, constructing stuffed animals, square dancing and traveling. While at her most recent assisted living home she was known for perfecting the dining room flower arrangements, designing beautiful paintings and creative ceramics.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband Michael of 57 years, daughter Mari, son Peter, and brothers Jim and Pat. Ruth is survived by daughter: Julie Cooper (James), step-granddaughter: Natalie, siblings: Mary Ann, Rose and Joe.

Visitation for Ruth will be from 11:00 AM -1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral Home, 301 South Eagle Drive in Merrill, Wisconsin 54452. A celebration of life will be immediately following at 1:00 PM, also at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your local cat rescue organization or Caring Bridge.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.