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
Anonymous
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the death of your mother. I have the greatest respect for her and her husband, your dad, Mr. Schmidt. I had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Schmidt when I was a young teacher at Rapid River High School. I have especially wonderful memories of Gary, Mary and Roger. You were great “kids” and I’m sure you have all become wonderful adults. Mrs. Schmidt (I could never call her Ruth, even though she asked me to – I had too much respect for her) shared her passion for photography with me and we often talked about the Grand Rapids area – my home town. I always felt welcome in your home. I learned a lot about working with kids and about compassion and tolerance from your mother.
Take care and know that your mother made a huge difference in the many lives that she touched over the years. She will be missed.
I hope to be able to attend her funeral and let you know personally how sorry I am for your loss.
Terri Mileski
Escanaba, MI
Our prayers are with the family of Ruth Schmidt, a wonderful friend and confidant. She, as a long time foster parent, was a wealth of information and encouragment for us “new” foster parents. She and Clayton also gave us a great friend, Gary. They did a good job raising him and I would be happy if my children turn out as well as he did. Ruth will be missed. God bless her.
Randy, Debbie Heider and Family
Escanaba, MI