Ruth Schoffelman

Ruth Schoffelman, 90, died Saturday, November 13, 2010 at the Avera Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls, SD.Ruth Johanna Lydia Heidbrink was born on a farm northeast of Lennox on February 2, 1920, the daughter of Theodore and Pauline (Niebruegge) Heidbrink. She lived with her parents, who farmed in this same area, until she was married. Ruth attended the rural Sherman School for eight years. She then attended and graduated from Lennox High School in 1937 as an honor student. Following high school she completed the Executive Secretarial Course at Nettleton Commercial College in Sioux Falls. She was employed by the County Superintendent of Schools' office in Canton for one year and then worked as a bookkeeper for Cargill Grain Elevator in Lennox for several years. On September 24, 1942 Ruth married Aldrich Schoffelman at her parent's home. The couple made their first home in Lennox until March of 1943 when they began farming for themselves on a farm south of Tea. In 1963 the couple moved to their own farm southwest of Worthing. In 1989, after farming for 41 years, Ruth and Al retired and moved to Lennox. During their farming years, Ruth was again employed by Cargill and also Farmers Union Oil as a bookkeeper. Later, after the family was grown, Ruth was employed for 15 years as Office Manager at Lennox Good Samaritan Center until she retired. Ruth was an active member of her church and community. She was a life long member at Lennox Ebenezer Presbyterian Church where she served as a choir member and Sunday School teacher. Ruth was called home to be with the Lord on November 13, 2010. She attained the age of 90 years and nine months. She was preceded in death by her husband, Al, on May 11, 2008, her father, Theodore Heidbrink, on June 10, 1949, her mother, Pauline, on October 1, 1977, her brother, Ralph, on August 30, 1996, his wife, Vivian, in November,1995 and special aunt, Johanna Bossman, in January of 1990. Ruth's family was very important to her. Her hobbies included sewing, baking, making special peanut brittle and fudge for her family and friends. She also sewed and crocheted craft items as gifts for family and friends. One of her pleasures was crocheting small angels which she would tuck in with get well cards and sympathy expressions for special friends. Grateful for having shared Ruth's life are her two daughters, Donna Schoffelman of Edina, MN and Karol Straub and her husband, John, of Vienna, VA. her son, Galen and his wife Mavis of Sioux Falls; five grandchildren: Cory and his wife, Dana, Sara and her husband, Tate, Aaron and his fiancé, Shannon Carlson, Paul and his wife, Natalie, and Mark Straub; five great-grandchildren: Tate Allen, Reed Adam and Cade Aldrich, sons of Cory and Dana Schoffelman, and Ella Rae and Reese Marie, daughters of Sara and Tate Lantz; brother-in-law: John Schoffelman, sisters-in-law: Esther (Norman) Kuper and Cora Schoffelman; a number of cousins, other relatives and a host of and friends. Services will begin 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010 at Lennox Ebenzer Presbyterian Church with burial in the Lennox Cemetery. Visitation will begin Wednesday at noon at the Dindot-Klusmann Funeral Home with the family present from 7 to 8 p.m.

Ruth Schoffelman

February 2, 1920 - November 13, 2010

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services