Ruth Ann Scheider

Ruth Ann (Gift) Scheider passed in the most peaceful setting watching an online nativity reenactment at her church on Christmas Eve evening. She was born on September 21, 1937, to Glen and Gladys (Chapin) Gift in Freeport, IL. Ruth grew up in Cedarville, IL and was one of 12 children. At age 11, she met the love of her life, Bill Scheider. On March 18, 1956, they married in Cedarville. Shortly after, they bought Bill's parents' farm and commenced farming on their own. Over the next 69 plus years, they built their family and lifetime of adventures together. Ruth worked briefly at Structo in Freeport and then on the farm before the children came. She remained the farm bookkeeper up until her death.

Ruth is survived by daughters Belinda (Don) Keech, Brenda (Tim Lobdell) Scheider, and Barb (Bruce) Stewart and son, Bill Scheider Jr. (Chrissy Greening); grandchildren Nick Williams, Amanda Williams, Micki (Shane) Lobdell, Zack (Chelsey DeVries) Ackerman, Misti (Mark) Schweertman, Royal (Aaron Schliem) Scheider, Vicki (Lane) Scherer, Cassidy Lobdell, Donald (Kari) Stewart and Jesse (Carley) Keech; and great-grandchildren Tatum Keech, Mati Schliem-Guzman, Sophia Schliem-Guzman, Linda Niesman, Jayden Keech, Malloy Keech, Eli Schweertman, Kellen Keech Kali Schweertman, Carrie Lobdell, Miah Ackerman, and John Schweertman. She is also survived by sister, Kathy Bardell and brothers, Don and Jerry (Kay) Gift and many cousins, nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rachel Leverton who was Ruth's caregiver and grew to be a great friend in her final days.

Ruth spent her life caring for her children and rarely missed any event in their lives. She learned to cook meals for family and farm hands alike which many times shared their dinner table. She served many years as a youth group leader, Sunday School, and VBS teacher at the Emmanuel EC Church in Cedarville. Ruth was also a member of the Stephenson County Porkettes, a charter member of the Orangeville Lions Club and served as the Treasurer of the Red Oak UM Church. In recent years and as both her and Bill's health declined, she was a regular attender of "tv church" broadcasted by Zion Community Church. Family was everything to Ruth and her only wish was to see her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and to hear about their lives and see them grow.

Ruth has now joined in death with her husband, parents, parent-in-law Royal and Florence (Lins) Scheider, great-grandchild Kidd Niesman, brothers and sisters-in-law Dorothy & Ken Kramer, Marilyn Wirtjes, Harold & Phyllis Becker, Jim & Mabel Gift, Lori Gift, Linda Gift, Vic & Lois Garman, Bill & Helene Gift and two infant brothers.

All are invited to help celebrate her life through a visitation that will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.

Funeral Service followed by a luncheon will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Zion Community Church (10100 W Sabin Church Rd, Pearl City) with graveside services to follow at Richland Center Cemetery near Red Oak.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her memory for the Ronald McDonald House and memorials may be sent to the following.

Bill Scheider

6818 N Damascus Rd

Freeport, IL 61032