Ruby E. Schroeder

Obituary

Ruby Elaine Larson was born July 2, 1937 at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Edwin and Margaret (Gardner) Larson. She was baptized on August 1, 1937, at Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson, South Dakota. Ruby was raised on the family farm near Garretson where she enjoyed singing and playing music with her parents and siblings Raymond “Ray” and Rosella. She graduated from Garretson High School on May 20, 1955, then studied at Augustana College in Sioux Falls; graduating May 13, 1960, with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Ruby taught fifth grade language arts in Gibbon, Minnesota and sixth grade in Madison, Minnesota, before moving to Hutchinson, Minnesota, with her husband Robert Schroeder in 1964.

Ruby met Robert through her roommate (Robert’s sister) Ruth Schroeder. Visits became more frequent Ruby’s junior year at Augustana; including study breaks to the Sioux Falls Dairy Queen, taking in community plays and big screen movies, time with friends, and with Ruby’s family on the farm. Robert proposed on Christmas Day, 1959, and they were married on June 23, 1961, at Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson.

The newlyweds first lived in Appleton, Minnesota, as young teachers before settling in Hutchinson, where they have remained. Ruby was a long-term substitute teacher before giving birth to her two children, Roger and Janine. Ruby occasionally worked part-time jobs, but most often used her musical gift to teach piano lessons for many years while taking care of the home and children.

Ruby was an excellent and adventurous cook, sharing flavorful meals and baked goods. She had a keen eye for decorating the home with fantastic estate-sale finds, and adding a festive flair to birthdays, holidays, and tea parties. Ruby generated home décor ideas from annual “Parade of Homes” visits in the Twin Cities, and was quick to add the latest photograph or craft from her children. She appreciated fine art from the French Impressionists Renior and Degas, and especially enjoyed contemporary works from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Music has always been part of Ruby’s life; from humble beginnings around the piano on the family farm, to high school choir and band, to singing in the Augustana Chapel Choir and playing saxophone in the Augustana Concert Band. After college, she assisted with music ministry at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton, and later at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. In addition to offering lessons, Ruby shared her gift of music most of all by playing piano at home to fill the space with beautiful music.

After Robert’s retirement, the couple discovered the benefits of migrating south with the birds. For nearly 30 years Ruby and Robert would travel to Tucson Arizona and spend the winter months with their daughter Janine and her husband Tim, staying in neighbor Judy Fraser's tiny guest house. Ruby managed to cook some excellent meals in the very tiny space of the guest house kitchen. The family enjoyed playing games, putting together puzzles, or reading library books on rainy days. When the weather turned nice, there was much exploring in Arizona's wilderness, state parks, and canyons where they often worked on finding birds and enjoying butterflies and wildflowers. Ruby was very adventurous and loved talking with people she met on the hiking trails. Sitting out in the desert sun brought her much joy, such a simple pleasure. Ruby especially loved going to the theatre, concerts, or Broadway shows at the University of Arizona. Ruby and Bob, rock hounds at heart, were often drawn to the annual gem and mineral show where they would find the occasional treasure.

Ruby remained a loyal fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos, and was an ardent supporter of her grandchildren’s endeavors; attending many events. Her primary joy, though, was found in time with friends and family, including; puzzles, board games, reading books, celebrating birthdays and religious events, sharing baked goods and coffee, taking photos, and of course preparing and presenting great meals. Ruby enjoyed traveling to view the beauty and complexity of nature at State and National Parks; searching for gems and minerals, or appreciating the colors of butterflies, flowers and birds.

Ruby is remembered by others as inviting, kind, intentional, and self-giving; always thinking of others before herself. She gifted herself to others through writing letters, buying thoughtful gifts, sharing newspaper and magazine clippings, or genuinely asking about your life. Ruby carried a bright smile and was pleasant to be around. Her resolute will, sharp wit, strong hands, and gentle disposition remained throughout all her days.

Blessed be her memory.

TTFN.

Ruby is survived by her: Husband, Robert Schroeder; Daughter, Janine McCabe and her husband, Tim; Son, Roger Schroeder and his wife, Deborah; 8 Grandchildren; 4 Great-grandchildren; Sister-in-law, Yvonne Larson; 16 Nieces and Nephews; Many other relatives and friends.

Ruby is preceded in death by her Parents, Edwin and Margaret Larson; Brother, Raymond Larson; Sister, Rosella Gilbertson; Parents-in-law, Herbert and Elsie Schroeder; Siblings-in-law, Donald and Judy Schroeder, Albert and Ruth Fink; Nephew, Mark Schroeder; and Niece-in-law, Sheila Fink.