Ruth Jeanette Schuessler

Ruth was born on August 19, 1932, to William and Lelia (McElroy) Corby while living on a farm near Richfield, NE. Ruth was the youngest of ten children. She attended Pleasant Hill Elementary School where later her three daughters would also attend. Ruth graduated from Papillion High School in 1950 and was president of her class of 19 students. She was in many play productions during high school and was active in Job’s Daughters, later becoming their second honored queen.

Ruth was introduced to Norman Schuessler by a mutual friend at South High School at the age of 15. Ruth dated Norm from ages 17-19 and they attended Trinity Luther League together, prior to getting married on June 15, 1952. They married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Papillion at ages 19 (Ruth) and 20 (Norm).

Ruth was a devoted wife and mother. Their first two daughters were born in 1953, Susan Lynn, and in 1955 Sandra Jean. Ruth was a full-time homemaker until she began working part-time in 1961 at various companies including – Quick Mailing Company, and Bellevue College Bursar’s Office. Ruth only wanted to work while Sue and Sandy were in school. Later after giving birth to Lisa Beth in 1967, Ruth worked part-time at Youngtown store at the Southroads Mall for about 15 years and then part-time at Prudential Insurance. Many of her work colleagues became life-long friends.

Ruth was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She served as Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent of Sunday School, sang in the church choir, and played organ part-time. Ruth lovingly volunteered her time and talents in the community where she served as P.T.A. President of Pleasant Hill School, Chairman of the Pleasant Hill school carnival, Campfire Girl Leader, 4-H leader with Norman for 7 years, and Girl Scout leader. Ruth loved making activities very special for the youth! Friends of their daughters were always made to feel welcome as well as the neighborhood boys and girls. Many tetherball games, street softball, and kick ball games were played in their driveway or in front of their house. Ruth also loved to spend time decorating her house and creating various arts and crafts like porcelain dolls, ceramics, crocheting, painting, quilting, and sewing clothes for her daughters. Ruth will be remembered for her sense of humor, fun, contagious laughter, lots of energy, and generosity of her time, talents, resources, and love of people!

Ruth is survived by her loving husband of 74 years, Norman Schuessler, three daughters, Sue (Don) Monzingo of Papillion, NE, Sandy (Dave) Gjesdahl of Omaha, NE, and Lisa Dickerson (fiancé Ty Eubanks) of Centennial, CO, 7 granddaughters: McKenzie (Charles) Stanfield, Morgan (Ben) Evers, Karli (Matt)Hardebeck, Katie Gjesdahl (Carter Dight), Kristen Gjesdahl, Lauren (Chris) Milinazzo, and Sydney (Alec) Quaid plus 11 great-grandchildren, Deacon, Faith Clare, Scout, Walnes’ and Asher Stanfield, Aleyse, Haylee and Joel Evers, Koplin, McKohen and Tealyn Hardebeck, Beau, Collins, and McKinley Milinazzo, Deacon, Wesley and Hallie Quaid. She is also survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews.