Ruth E. Schutz

Ruth Schutz died and went to be with her Savior on January 6, 2026 at home.

She was the first daughter born to August and Lena (Karlen) Schutz on May 1, 1928. At the early age of three years, she had a ruptured appendix and was quite ill in the hospital. Due to the severity of the illness, she had to learn to walk and talk again as she recovered.

At five years of age, her 8 ½ month old sister passed away on Ruth’s birthday. This event, plus having a grandparent being buried on her birthday a few years later was rather traumatic in her early life.

Ruth went to country school for grades 1-8, then attended high school in Boyceville, Wisconsin, graduating in 1946. It was during her high school years that Ruth accepted Christ as her personal Savior.

Following high school graduation, Ruth took a job at St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, where she worked for several years until she enrolled at St. Paul Bible College. She had a Christian Education major, and graduated in 1951. Ruth taught Vacation Bible School at various locations in Wisconsin and Minnesota with a college friend during one summer. After college graduation she worked for 1-2 years at General Mills in Minneapolis, MN. A few years later, Ruth went to Kentucky and worked for several years at Dessie Scott Children’s Home in Pine Ridge.

After she returned to Wisconsin, Ruth became the Child Evangelism Fellowship Director for Chippewa, Eau Claire, and Dunn Counties. She worked with teachers who hosted Child Evangelism classes in those counties. The teachers had Bible classes in homes during the school year, then hosted Five-Day Clubs for children during the summer.

In the late 1960’s Ruth worked as an aid at Glenhaven Nursing Home in Glenwood City, WI. She decided to pursue a nursing degree and became an LPN. She got a job right away at the Dunn County Healthcare Center (The Neighbors) in Menomonie, and worked there for about 25 years before retiring at the end of 1997. During the time she worked at the Dunn County Healthcare Center, she also cared for her elderly parents in their home until they passed away.

Ruth was an active member at Grace Baptist Church in Boyceville, WI for many years. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and she was involved in other children’s ministries. She also played the piano there and served as the church organist.

Ruth’s family would like to share a few additional reflections to accompany the obituary she wrote.

Ruth was a remarkable woman. She loved to travel throughout the United States, including the state of Alaska. She took a mission trip to Brazil with her church and even visited Switzerland while she was in her in her seventies. She was generous with both her time and resources, volunteering at Immanuel Baptist School, Boyceville Public School, and the local food harvest ministry. In early retirement, she helped elderly community members with their income taxes and delivered Meals on Wheels.

She hosted and led Bible studies in her home as well. Ruth was very hospitable, often preparing a quick meal and insisting that her guests share it with her before leaving.

One of Ruth’s greatest joys was playing table games, including Scrabble, Skip-Bo, Skyjo, Rummikub and dominoes. She was a fierce competitor and frequently won the games she played!

Ruth was known for her positive outlook and her rare willingness to complain. She loved being around people, so losing the ability to drive due to poor eyesight was a difficult time for her. After moving to Grand Oaks Assisted Living, she embraced the community and enjoyed the activities offered there.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, August, and Lena Schutz; her infant sister, Audney; and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Alena Stutsman and Reinhard “Skip” Stutsman, Alievia James and Harold James, and Edwin James.

Ruth is survived by her sister, Ardyce James of Downing, WI, along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She will be deeply missed.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI with Pastor Chris Ames and Pastor Mark Williams officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Tiffany Cemetery in Boyceville, WI.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com