Ruth Jean Shaw Schemel

Ruth Jean Shaw Schemel passed away March 9, 2014 in her Santa Clarita, CA home surrounded by family, memories & personal treasures as she'd requested. Born in Pontiac, MI, in June 1925, Ruth was oldest of 4 children of Veva & William Shaw & grew up on a farm in Decker, MI. After high school, she had a 50-year automotive industry career at Pontiac Motors & in S. CA dealerships. Ruth married Ronald Schemel in 1941. They had 4 children & moved to Redondo Beach, CA in 1960, where they had another daughter. Ruth participated in Delta Chi Sigma, Lomita VFW, St. Paul's United Methodist programs & many community groups. A lifelong crafter, she lovingly made blankets & sweaters for veterans, foster children, newborn babies & patiently taught many to crochet.

A wise, gentle woman with a compassionate spirit, Ruth touched many lives in her 88 years, from MI to CA & beyond. Her determination to bring joy to others & invite daily dignity over adversity was inspiring. It was an honor & privilege to care for her at home. Heartfelt thanks to family & friends who touched Ruth's life over the years, including Ann-Marie & Matthew for creating a 'Home Sweet Home' for Grandma's final years with us. Known for her kindness, generosity, dancing & Sunday dinners, Ruth was passionate about the Dodgers, Lakers, pie, Aunt Mary's apple butter, reunions, genealogy, babies, friends & family.

She is survived by her sister Mary Rahm (Frankfort, Ill), children Ronda Le Brane Schemel (Larry, Los Osos, CA), Bill Schemel (Chico, CA), Ann-Marie Schemel (Santa Clarita), grandchildren Leslie Werkmeister Johnson, Brittany Schemel, Shanah Breazeale, Elizabeth Mathieu, Jonathan Boersma, Matthew Blauser & great grandchildren Anthony, Robbie, Olivia, Lilith & Joey. Ruth was preceded in death by both parents, 2 siblings & adult children Martin Schemel & Patricia Schemel Bauldry.

Please join us to Celebrate Ruth's Life, Monday March 17, 2014, 11am at St. Paul's United Methodist Church , where she was a loyal member for 5 decades: 2600 Nelson, Redondo Beach, CA, 310-370-4319, www.stpaulsrb.org . Interment will be at a future date at Green Hills, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Paul's in her honor. AND… remember to offer others a 'please, thank-you & I'm sorry,' especially when you'd rather not. That's how Ruth made our lives kinder & gentler.

Our gratitude to Ruth's newest family at Gerinet Hospice for the love & care EVERYONE offered at all hours in recent months. An angel among us, we already miss Ruth's giggles, morning coffee & crossword victories, any note in her handwriting, her voice & touch, her kind words, tender hugs & true unconditional love. Finally, Gently--Be at Peace, Dearest Mom, Grandma & Friend to so many…

To send cards & condolences to family directly, please e-mail us to get our mailing addresses, including Bill's. Ann-Marie: a0marie@aol.com & Ronda: larron4@charter.net .


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275