Ruth Schildknecht's Obituary
SCHILDKNECHT, RUTH Better known as Tootsie, Mom, Grandma, Granny Rose passed away peacefully Sunday March 10 in Garland, Texas the same way she lived life…with grace, class and a sense of humor. She died surrounded by her family’s love and was at her second “home”….Baylor Garland hospital where she volunteered for over 40,000 hours. “Ruth” was born July 6, 1922 in Winona, Minnesota. She was raised with three sisters and learned the value of family and giving through the depression. Sharing her time and talent was always her calling. Whether volunteering with Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, assisting young families, providing care to her hospital or church families, she always said “yes” to those in need. Family, friends and strangers were blessed by her knitting skills; wearing hats, scarves and sweaters made with love by Ruth. Thousands of babies were also kept warm because of her undying generosity; knitting tiny caps for the preemie babies at the hospital, In 1984, she was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Irvin Schildknecht. A devoted military wife, she travelled the globe with Irv as he served his country in the U. S. Air Force and she took care of their 2 children.The couple retired to Garland, Texas in 1967. An active member of Garland’s Ascension Lutheran church for 45 years, Ruth could be found every Sunday (as well as many other days) at the church selflessly giving of herself for the greater good. She was coherent and sharing memories as she went to the hospital “just for observation”…but Ruth knew her husband, Irv, had waited for her for nearly 3 decades so at 90 years old she decided she was tired and it was time to join him. She is now reunited with her knight-in-shining armor and the love-of-her-life in Heaven. We love you and miss you already!!! Xoxoxo She is survived by her daughter, R. Dianne Deutsch, her son Ronald Schildknecht and wife, Cindy, as well as 5 Grandchildren: Karl Deutsch, Jennifer Shahani, Rebecca Carrana, Amy Schildknecht and Sara Schildknecht plus 8 Great Grandchildren and two sisters, Eleanor Bambenek and Joyce Betz of Winona MN. Visitation at Restland Funeral Home, 6 – 8 pm, March 13, 2013. Funeral services at Ascension Lutheran Church, Garland Tx on March 14, 2013 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Winona County Historical Society, www.winonahistory.org
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