Ruthmary Witt Schneider

Ruthmary Witt Schneider, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026. She was born on July 28, 1933, in Elizabethton, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Charles and Hattie Witt and was born alongside her twin sister, Rosemary. Together with their older brother, Charles, they formed a close and loving family.

From an early age, Ruthmary had a deep love for music. She and her twin sister sang together in the church choir, sharing not only harmonies but a lifelong bond. She later attended Southern Adventist University, where she continued to grow in faith, knowledge, and character.

Ruthmary was the proud mother of two sons, Harry and Larry, both of whom preceded her in death—Larry in 1981 after a courageous battle with cancer, and Harry in 2018 due to heart complications. Though she endured profound loss, Ruthmary carried herself throughout life with remarkable strength, grace, and resilience. She faced adversity with a positive attitude, an unwavering faith, and a smile that comforted everyone around her.

Before retiring in the 1980s, Ruthmary worked as a front office manager in a doctor’s office. She greatly enjoyed her work in the medical field and took pride in serving others with professionalism and compassion. She was especially proud of her son Harry, who practiced dentistry in Rancho Mirage, California, and of her brother Charles, a celebrated cardiothoracic surgeon in Los Angeles. She also delighted in watching her niece, Alex Witt, on MSNBC, faithfully tuning in to Alex Witt Reports on weekends.

In her retirement years, Ruthmary found joy in traveling to Hawaii to visit her beloved sister Rosemary. She cherished time spent with her grandson Eric, his wife Jessica, her great-granddaughter Emily, and her daughter-in-law Karen, as well as with her extended family, friends, and neighbors. Known throughout her neighborhood for her kindness and generous spirit, Ruthmary was always willing to listen, offer encouragement, and be a steady presence for anyone in need. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome.

She was also famously known for her cooking. Her chocolate chip cookies and German chocolate cake became treasured staples at birthdays and holiday celebrations. Those fortunate enough to receive her homemade treats understood that they were made not just with skill, but with love.

Ruthmary was a truly special woman whose life reflected strength, faith, generosity, and joy. Her laughter, beautiful smile, and caring spirit touched all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered with gratitude and love.

She is survived by her family, friends, and neighbors, who will continue to carry her memory in their hearts.