Ruth G. Schmidt, age 83, of 10296 U.4 Lane, Rapid River, died Monday February 6, 2006 at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.
Ruth was born August 8, 1922, in Grand Rapids, MI, the daughter of Henry and JoHanna (VanDevoren) Schleif. She was raised in Grand Rapids and attended and graduated from the Grand Rapids schools. Following her years in school, Ruth furthered her education by training to become a professional photographer through the Versilus Studios, located in Grand Rapids. On September 20, 1941, Ruth married Clayton J. Schmidt, in Grand Rapids, and she continued to work for the Versilus Studios off and on for the next 25 years, in addition to raising her family. Eventually, Ruth began her own business, which she named the Keepsake Studios, in Sparta, MI, furthering her passion for professional photography. Ruth owned and operated the Keepsake Studios for several years before relocating to Rapid River in the early 1970’s. Throughout the years, Ruth and Clayton worked as foster care parents and in 1983; the couple received the Michigan Foster Care Parenting award of the year. Throughout time, the couple fostered over 250 children, caring for them as if they were their own. Ruth loved to read; she enjoyed painting, fishing and spending time with her family and grandchildren.
Survivors include:
Her husband Clayton Schmidt
5 Sons: Steven (Mary) Schmidt of Chillicothe; OH, Roger (Diane) Schmidt of Comstock Park; MI, John Schmidt of Oklahoma City, OK; Gary (Lynn) Schmidt of Rapid River, MI; Charles Schmidt of Twin Lakes, WI
4 Daughters: Cynthia (Jerry) Beach of Flint, MI; Maralee (Thomas) Andree of Gladstone, MI; Mary Cunningham of Boyne Falls, MI; Crystal Schmidt of Gladstone, MI
1 Sister: Elizabeth “Tootie” Dutton of Rapid River, MI
Survivors also include, 20 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her parents, Henry and JoHanna, 1 brother, Henry Schleif and 2 grandchildren, preceded Ruth in death.
Family will receive friends on Thursday from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at the Grace Baptist Church in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Ruth Schmidt will be held on Friday, at 1:00PM, at the Grace Baptist Church in Gladstone, with Pastor Stephen Patrick officiating. Luncheon will follow in the Grace Baptist Fellowship Hall.
