Ruth Eilleen Schmidt

Ruth Eilleen Schmidt, 93, of New Castle, went home to be with the Lord on the morning of Friday, April 24, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 12, 1933, in Warren, Indiana, a daughter of the late Rhessa Josiah and Martha Elizabeth (Wagoner) Slusher. Ruth was a 1951 graduate of Jackson Township High School in Wells County. On August 31, 1952, she married the love of her life, Jack Ray Schmidt, who affectionately called her “Bluesy,” and together they were blessed with 73 years of marriage filled with love, faith, and devotion to one another. Ruth was a faithful member of Pleasant Hill United Brethren Church, where she served the Lord for many years as a Sunday School teacher and church pianist. Her gentle spirit, steady faith, and servant’s heart touched countless lives within her church family. She also gave of her time for 33 years as a volunteer in the surgery waiting room at Henry County Hospital, offering comfort and kindness to those in need. She was a member of the Sunny Homemakers Extension Club and a former leader of the Mt. Summit 4-H Club. Ruth found joy in life’s simple pleasures—bowling, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, and being present for the moments that mattered most. Ruth will be remembered as a sweet and loving woman who was dearly loved by all who knew her. She had a warm, welcoming nature and a wonderful sense of humor that brought smiles to those around her. Her greatest joy was her family, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Those left to cherish Ruth’s memory include her beloved husband, Jack Schmidt; three daughters, Dianne (Gary) Hawks of New Castle, Linda Sears of New Castle, and Kim (Blake) Dye of Fishers; one son, Bruce (Sherry) Schmidt of Muncie; 10 grandchildren, Sherry Willis, Sharla Snyder, Todd Sears, Joni Jaggers, Leslie Antiel, Shannon Posey, Emily Bryan, Kelci Laster, Nick Schmidt, and Natalie Crist; 29 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Nathan Schmidt; two sisters, Barbara Gentis and Colleen McMillan; and a son-in-law, Bob Sears. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Thompson officiating. Burial will be held privately in Mooreland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. You may offer the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Ruth Eilleen Schmidt.

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Ruth Eilleen Schmidt

April 12, 1933 - April 24, 2026