Ruth Irene Hogrefe

Ruth Irene Hogrefe, 78, passed away peacefully at Hope Hospice on December 16, 2012, after a 31 year battle with cancer. Ruth was born on July 16th, 1932 in Hamler, OH, the daughter of the late Fredrick and Emelia Schwiebert. Ruth married Clarence Frederick Hogrefe on July 5th, 1952.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 60 years, Clarence, her brother Walter Schwiebert of Phoenix, AZ, her children Susan (David) Lawless, Denise (Mark) Selby, Gary (Connie) Hogrefe, Alan (Cassie) Hogrefe, Julie (Paul) Pescatrice, who all reside in Lee County, FL. Eleven grandchildren, Heather, Mark (Mandy), David (Nicole), Christine (Ryan), Candy, Paula, Brittany (Jesse), Eric, Shannon, Kaitlyn, and Chelsea and eleven great-grandchildren, Amber, Brooke, Gavin, Kelsey, Jasmine, Tiffany, Marcus, Maggie, Desiree, Bobby, and Trey, and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Ruth is predeceased by her brothers Richard and David Schwiebert, and her grandson Gregory Hogrefe.

Clarence and Ruth have lived in Cape Coral since relocating in 1969. Together with family members they started a construction business. In 1974, Clarence and Ruth went on to own and operate Designers Showcase of Cape Coral, Inc.

They were avid travelers and enjoyed trips to all 50 states and many overseas locations. They spent many wonderful hours with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Those who met her have been blessed with knowing her; she has touched many lives, and found the good in all. She lived everyday of her life with a smile on her face and love in her heart. She was a strong, loving, kind woman and has left many good examples for us to follow. She will be missed by all.

Ruth was a long time member of Christ Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 19th, 2012 from 4 – 6PM at Coral Ridge Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1630 Southwest Pine Island Road, Cape Coral, FL 33991. A funeral service will be held at 1PM on Thursday, December 20th, 2012 at Christ Lutheran Church, 2911 Del Prado Boulevard South, Cape Coral, FL 33904. Memorial contributions can be made in Ruth’s name to Hope Hospice, 2430 Diplomat Parkway, Cape Coral, FL 33909 or to the American Cancer Society.