Ruth Alice Pauline (Rockensuess) Schlecht was a devoted Christian throughout the fullness of her blessed 95 years having been made so by Holy Baptism into Christ. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, August 21, 1928, the youngest child of her cherished mother Pauline and father Arthur Rockensuess. Ruth was raised in a devout Lutheran home with sisters Doris and Marge, and brother Arthur now having proceeded her.
It was at Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church and School, East Detroit, where Ruth was grounded in her confession of Jesus Christ who never left her. Following high school despite aspirations of becoming an interpreter for the deaf, Ruth had met Richard Schlecht during his pastoral vicarage. A long distance courtship led to their marriage May 24, 1947, and her move to a tiny Wyoming parsonage, later to Nebraska, and eventually to parishes in Michigan.
The Schlechts were blessed with the joy of three children, Richard (Martha) Schlecht, Susan (David) Reed, and Elizabeth (John) Rufner. Also dear to them were nine grandchildren: Kathryn and Lauren, Christine, Rebecca, Allison, and Elizabeth, and Anna, David, and Rachel. The Schlechts were also blessed with sixteen precious great-grandchildren.
While yet a young pastor‘s wife, Ruth was instrumental in establishing multiple societies of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League throughout Detroit. Years later she became well-known throughout the Michigan District LCMS while accompanying her husband during his 16 year presidency.
Rev. Dr. Schlecht preceded Ruth in 2010. They had been married for 63 years. Ruth truly was a gracious lady and dear friend to many. She deeply loved her Lutheran Church and was richly blessed therein by her Savior who gently and lovingly carried Ruth safely home this past Monday, January 22, in the full certainty of life everlasting through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Christian Funeral rites for Ruth are planned for Saturday, January 27, at St. John Lutheran Church, Rochester, 11 a.m. Visitation will be Friday at the Pixley Funeral Home, Rochester, 3-5 and 6-8 p.m. Memorials may be considered to The Dr. Richard L. Schlecht Student Aid Endowment Fund at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, or to Orphan Grain Train—Michigan.
