Ruth Schulz peacefully passed away on October 9, 2021, in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 96. Ruth was born in Postville, Iowa on February 27, 1925, to Fred “Fritz” H. J. Thoma, and Emma B. (Plaht) Thoma. After her high school graduation Ruth did secretarial work for several years, before marrying Charles William Doerring on September 12, 1946. They established their home on a farm near his parents’ home in Luana, Iowa. In 1947 an infant son was born to the couple and died the same day. Charles was killed on June 8, 1947, in a tragic accident playing in a baseball game. Ruth married Ernest Michael Schulz of Rockwell City, Iowa on September 26, 1949. They moved to Rock Rapids, Iowa in 1955 and had five children (including twins) by 1960. Ernie worked a few years for the REA (Rural Electric Assoc.) before joining a newly formed engineering firm (DeWild, Grant & Reckert) as a Project Manager in the Communications Department. He oversaw the installation of underground cable in different areas of the Midwest and his work took him many places. In 1963, Ernie and Ruth moved the family to Palmer, Alaska, where they spent one year enjoying the breathtaking scenery, salmon fishing, and rock hunting in the valleys. After their return to Rock Rapids, Ruth worked for the City Utilities for five years, and then 10 years part time as Church Secretary at Peace Lutheran Church. In 2000, Ernie and Ruth moved to Mesa, Arizona, where their oldest son and family live. They enjoyed golfing and visiting with friends until Ernie developed Alzheimer’s Disease and passed away July 12, 2003. Ruth continued her volunteer work at the library and loved tending her abundant pots of beautiful flowers, which she could enjoy the year around, along with the warm weather and bright sunshine in Arizona. She relished visits from her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her two brothers Leonard Herman George Thoma of Postville, Iowa and Wesley Louis Thoma of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; her husband Charles William Doerring; her husband Ernest Michael Schulz; and her infant son. She is survived by her five children, Robert Schulz (Joy) of Mesa, Arizona; Jon Schulz of Mentor, Ohio; Mark Schulz (Carol) of Woodland, Washington; Mary Carlson (Dave) of Des Moines, Iowa; and Nancy Davis (Craig) of West Des Moines, Iowa; and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held on Veteran’s Day 11/11 at 11:00am in the small Fox Chapel at First Presbyterian Church of Mesa, with Inurnment of Ruth and Ernest’s ashes on 11/15 at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but www.bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
We are sadden by your loss. We love and miss you. The Olenders
Keeping you and your family in prayer Bob. Sounds like you were blessed with a wonderful mother. May God continue to bless and comfort you. May you have a special sense of His presence and love.
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to Ruth’s family. She was my 2nd cousin on her mother’side. I remember her when she was still in Postville Iowa as that is also my hometown. I just happened on her obituary as I was updating the family genealogy. My your memories comfort you in the days and years ahead.
Grace (Benjegerdes) Keir
Grace – how lovely to hear from you! I am Joy Schulz, married to Ruth’s eldest son, Robert. We live in Mesa, AZ and have had the pleasure of spending the last 20 years with Ruthie. Bob remembers his mother and grandmother talking about the Benjegerdes family. Thank you for your note.
I am Charles Doerring’s niece. My Dad Eugene was his brother. Unfortunately Charles passed away before I was born and I never met Ruth. My thoughts and prayers are with Ruth’s family.
My symphy to Ruth’s family. I’m the youngest daughter of Eldo and Aleen Sander. We were neighbors of Fred and Emma and family. Many nice memories!