Ruth Ann Schmidt

For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. - I Thessalonians 4:14

Ruth Ann Schmidt, formerly of Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Ruth laid down to sleep and woke up to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The words of a familiar prayer have even more significance for her family during this sad time: “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord, my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. And this I ask for Jesus sake. Amen.”

Ruth was born on November 22, 1936 to the late Raymond and Esther (nee Kahler) Schmidt. Ruth loved to brag well into her 80’s: “The only time I was ever in the hospital was the day I was born!”

Ruth became a child of God at her baptism shortly after her birth. She was confirmed in the Lutheran faith in 1950. Throughout her life, Ruth was a faithful church member. She was active in the choir at Bethany Lutheran Church, Appleton, WI for many decades, well into her 70’s. Her strong, on-pitch alto voice carried other singers along, whether in choir or in congregational singing.

In 1954 Ruth graduated from Seymour High School. She enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Menasha, and later transferred to Wisconsin State College in Oshkosh (now known as the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh). Ruth majored in English with minors in Psychology and History. She graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education. Ruth taught high school for one year before deciding on a new career path with Marsh McLennan Insurance Company.

Bowling became a passion of Ruth’s and she excelled at it. She joined multiple bowling leagues across the city of Appleton and nearly every single day her name was in the newspaper, detailing her accomplishments. She won numerous trophies and made it to Nationals a few times, traveling to Arizona and Seattle, WA. She was in charge of the Junior Bowling League at Super Bowl Bowling Alley in Appleton for many, many years. She not only taught her nieces and nephews how to bowl, but she would continually coach them on proper posture and technique.

Ruth was generous with her time, gifts, and attention, especially when it came to her two nieces and two nephews whom she spoiled often. Her love of cooking and baking meant they learned measurements and fractions, as well as the lesson of being generous to others with what you make. Mechanics, organists, pastors, neighbors, and many other people across Appleton were given gifts of cookies or bars that she had made. Ruth’s love of theater (live performances and movies) was also shared with her nieces and nephews.

In October, 2023, Ruth moved to Lafayette, IN to live near her niece Elizabeth Schmidt. Up to this time, Ruth was lovingly watched over by William (Bill) Herrmann, the brother of Ruth’s sister-in-law, Betsy. Bill was exceptional with the care he gave Ruth, whether that was taking care of her property or making sure she was physically OK. Once Ruth moved to Indiana, her niece Elizabeth spent countless hours caring for Ruth and making sure she was never wanting for anything. The close bond they shared was formed early on when Elizabeth was born and Ruth was asked to be her Godmother. What a blessing they were to each other, right up to the day of Ruth’s death!

Ruth is survived by her sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Betsy) Schmidt of Noblesville, IN and her nieces and nephews: Elizabeth Schmidt, Lafayette, IN, Rev. Daniel (Elizabeth) Schmidt, Ixonia, WI, Laura (Rev. Thomas) Schroeder, Novi, MI and Rev. David (Kelly) Schmidt, Little Chute, WI and many great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Esther (nee Kahler) Schmidt, and her brother, Ronald Schmidt, who passed away just four months prior to her.

In keeping with Ruth’s wishes to be cremated, the family is planning a funeral at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Little Chute, WI (705 E Greenfield Dr.) on Saturday, December 27, 2025. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. followed by Ruth's Christian funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place on Monday, December 29th at Highland Memorial Park, 3131 N. Richmond St., Appleton, WI.

Memorial gifts may be made out to Lamb of God Lutheran Church, 1893 E. 600 N, West Lafayette, IN 47906.

I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 

And after my skin has been destroyed, yet, in my flesh I will see God… - Job 19:25-26