Ruth Schley

Ruth A. Schley, of Fort Walton Beach, passed away peacefully in her sleep after a long illness on Wednesday, Oct. 31 in Jacksonville with her loving daughter by her side. Ruth was born in Baerwalde, Germany and raised in Berlin where she met her future husband, Gerhard. They both immigrated to the United States, where Gerhard joined the US Air Force. They raised their three children, Robert, Arleen and Ronald mainly in Germany and Fort Walton Beach, which they made their permanent home after Gerhard retired.

Preceded in death by her husband of almost 50 years, Gerhard G. Schley; sons, Robert E. Schley and Ronald E. Schley; and daughter-in-law, Deidre Schley, she is survived by her daughter, Arleen A. Fontaine (Lamar); sister, Margot Wilhelm (Lothar) of Germany; brother, Dieter Wesolowski (Inge) of Germany; beloved grandchildren, Andrew, Bradford, Stephanie and Ryan; Nieces Jetta Mischnick (Frank, son Benjamin) and Monica Schnaith (Frieder, son Sebastian, daughter Juliana) along with many other family members and lifelong friends.

Ruth was a talented and well known local oil paint artisan who also enjoyed teaching the art. Her classes were full of laughter and quality conversation, with a fresh cup of German coffee always available. Many of her students became steadfast friends and many of the children she taught still kept in contact with her even after they grew up, moved away and had children of their own.

Ruth was a member of the Arts & Design Society of Ft. Walton Bch and a charter member of “Club Germania”, where she joyfully met with friends for more than thirty (30) years. She touched the lives of many people, and poured her heart and soul into every piece of magnificent artwork she created. Her grace, loving personality, keen sense of humor and immense talent will be cherished and remembered for a very long time.