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University of Minnesota

Ruth Scheffer Obituary

Ruth Scheffer Ruth Cohn Scheffer, born in January 1927 to Sam and Jennie Cohn in Big Timber, Montana, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side on July 11, 2015, in her home. After graduating high school in Billings, Montana, she attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis. While in school she met her husband, Paul Scheffer, whom she married and celebrated 50 years of marriage until his death in 1999. Ruth had a very exciting and challenging career in public health nursing. She touched many people in various ways. Her first job was in Watts, Calif., as a nurse in the field. The Scheffer family moved to San Luis Obispo County in 1964 where Ruth worked for 35 years as a school nurse. Ruth received many awards including person of the year from Head Start, receiving an award in Washington D.C. She traveled the world with her husband Paul. She had a love for art and brought home many pictures from her travels. She is survived by her son, Dan Scheffer and his wife Melody; her daughter, Debra Stiles and three granddaughters: Barbara, Anne and Ellen; three great-granddaughters: Skyla, Ellie and Arden; her three sisters: Claire Cohn, Dorothy Lemberger and Anna Greenberg and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service on August 9, at 2:00pm at Temple Beth David. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hadassah in her name. Sign her guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Jul. 25, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Scheffer

19 Entries

Sandy McCool French

August 16, 2015

Dan and Debbie I am so sorry for your loss. I was always very fond of Ruth. I loved her energy, respected her wisdom, and enjoyed the interest and concern she showed us kids in the neighborhood. While most of our Palisades parents are now gone it was still a shock to hear this news. I will truly miss her.

Dou Major

August 9, 2015

Ruth became the Matriarch of the SLO School nurses. She was a living force for the health needs of each child she served. Working with her over the past 30 years I was always amazed with her energy in meeting the needs of children in her charge...I have missed the calls to serve as her GO TO Eye doctor. I hope we can continue her legacy.

Andi Portney

August 8, 2015

Our family became acquainted with Ruth when her mother Jenny Cohn moved to SLO and joined Congregation Beth David. Then a few years later, I started seeing Ruth regularly through Hadassah. Ruth was devoted to raising funds to ensure the prosperity of Hadassah Hospital in Israel. My mother and Ruth, just one month apart in age, became good friends through our local the SLO Hadassah group. We always enjoyed the Hamentashen Tea that Ruth organized and hosted in her home every year. The tables were set with beautiful china and fresh flowers. Ruth made all of the sweet treats from scratch.

Ruth was an itrepid walker. She walked 5 miles along Pismo Beach every day. Several years ago, even after recovering from her injury, I was impressed that she continued her walks. She was an inspiration.

On a bus trip long ago, Ruth demonstrated for me how to brush one's teeth without benefit of a toothbrush. Debra was there. Despite the fact that Debra had probably seen and heard the demonstration many times in her life, Debra smiled. When I had pneumonia 15 years ago, Ruth came by to drop off a home-cooked meal and a bottle of Sambucol. Of course, the delivery was not without her sage advice ensuring my return to good health.

Once or twice, when her granddaughter Ellen came to visit from Montana, Ruth would come to our home, pick up my daughter Allison and take the girls out for the day.

It's been a few years since I've seen Ruth and her beautiful warm smile. She will be missed indeed.

May Ruth's memory bring blessing and comfort to her family.

Wendy Scuri Muse

August 1, 2015

I met Mrs. Scheffer through Debbie, as we were friends in high school. I remember how welcoming she was to all of us when we all invaded her home. She always had a warm smile and a kind word. Debbie and family I am so very sorry for your profound loss. May God bless you always.

Nancy Lemberger

July 31, 2015

Aunt Ruth and I hiked up the Pinnacles, we nearly died of the heat and height. We grew close when I stayed in San Luis to attend Cal Poly. She always wanted to french Braid my hair, which she did near the end. It was a hoot! This is the last picture taken of her with her former student Holly. Sorry I can't be at the memorial. Love to all, Nancy

Elizabeth Eggen

July 29, 2015

There are people in this life that I will always remember. Ruth Scheffer is one of them. Good to the bone. May she rest in peace.

July 28, 2015

Debbie et al,
It was a pleasure to treat Ruth and Paul (who she dragged into the dental office by his ear lobe). She had a forminable public health mind and commitment to health care that never abated. A wonderful lady ! It was always fun sharing stories of Holland and Daumier prints. RIP Dean & Lou Miller

Jan Dreyer

July 28, 2015

I was fortunate to meet Ruth through Hadassah. She brought so much history and friendship to the group. My sympathy to the family.

Lisa Katherman

July 27, 2015

We will miss our dear sweet Ruth. She was such a special lady to our entire family. Like a cherished mother/grandmother/friend. I walked many a fun mile with her and learned so much about life and living. There is a new star in the heavens. We miss her so much:)!

July 27, 2015

We had the pleasure of knowing Ruth through our mother, Hilda Heifetz. They were great friends, and it was our pleasure to enjoy Ruth's company on many occasions. She was a remarkable woman and community leader.

Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you always.
Len and Bonnie Heifetz
Fresno, California

July 27, 2015

Ruth was a marvelous Festival Mozaic volunteer. She was the raffle ticket lady and got right up to her candidate and almost DARE them to buy tickets. She was wonderfully successful and we loved her. She was really missed this year. As a teacher, I always appreciated having her around. Prudy Lovtang

Kathy Hamrick

July 27, 2015

Ruth was passionate about life. She embraced her career and had a concern for the health of everyone around her. She loved her family and enjoyed talking about her grand-daughters and great grand-daughters. My life has been blessed by knowing her.

Darlene Tunney Rosene

July 26, 2015

Ruth was a fountain of information delivered with zestful energy.I admired her vast areas of common sense and enjoyed her lemon cake. The Nursing Community in San Luis Obispo has lost a stellar figure. I feel fortunate to have known her.

Sheila Kircher

July 26, 2015

I have the honor/pleasure of saying Ruth Scheffer and I worked together in the education of our San Luis Coastal School district youth! I so loved her enthusiasm and joy for her job. It resonated within and the youngsters knew it. I will remember her for that big smile and wanting to always do what was best for our students!

Jane Broshears

July 25, 2015

Ruth was the school nurse for my classroom of special needs students for many years. During that time, I came to respect her devotion to the well being of my students. We became friends, and my life is richer for having known Ruth!

Luke 20:38

July 25, 2015

I give my deepest condolences. May friends and family find comfort in God, who always remembers our loved ones.

Nancy Howland

July 25, 2015

I met Ruth when I was a young teacher. I will never forget her invitation to her lovely home where she made blueberry blintzes for me. She was a very interesting, funny, intelligent person. My condolences to the family.

Donna McIlwain Fipps

July 25, 2015

Mrs Scheffer was so welcoming to me as I spent much of my high school years at her home. She made the absolutely best chocolate frosted brownies.

Jack Harris

July 25, 2015

I met Ruth during my student teaching at SLOSH in 1975 when she followed me into my classroom and said, "Take your shirt off!" I did not know who this lady was and was astounded at the request. She was checking my back as she thought I walked funny...

Anyway, I always enjoyed seeing Ruth whether at a school or otherwise. A very fun and bright lady, she always made me smile.

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