Ruth Z. Sheipe

Ruth Z. Sheipe VIRGINIA BEACH - Ruth Zimmerman Sheipe, 84, passed away Feb. 25, 2009. Ruth was born Sept. 19, 1924, in Orwigsburg, Pa., to the late Ralph I. and Elizabeth L. Zimmerman. She was a 1942 graduate of Orwigsburg High School. On April 5, 1946, Ruth married Quintin Marlin Sheipe, son of Harry and Irma Sheipe, with whom she had three children. Ruth moved from Orwigsburg with her family to Norfolk, in 1955. Over the years, she was a member of the Orwigsburg Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Eastern Star. As an avid horticulturist, Ruth was a member of the Norfolk and Virginia State Federation of Garden Clubs which she served in a variety of officer positions. She was also a member of the Bayview United Church of Christ in Norfolk and served as the secretary of the Third Presbyterian Church of Norfolk for 15 years. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Cmdr. Quintin M. Sheipe; her brother, Burd L. Zimmerman; and her daughter, Susan E. Bertram. She is survived by her sons, Robert J. Sheipe and wife Michele of Carmel, Ind., and Frederick J. Sheipe and wife Barbara of Virginia Beach; six grandchildren, Adam J. Sheipe, Hillary S. Oppenheim, Frederick J. Sheipe Jr., Matthew Ryan Sheipe, Jessica Bertram and Amanda Bertram; and six great-grandchildren. Ruth always did her best for her family and friends and they are profoundly grateful for having had the opportunity to be part of her life. The family will receive guests at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6329 Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, Tuesday between 3 and 5 p.m. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.woodlawngroup.com.