Ruth Schneck

Ruth Schneck, age 93, of Clinton, passed away Monday, July 2, 2018, in the Clinton Care Center.

Memorial services for Ruth will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at 11am at First English Lutheran Church in Ortonville.  Visitation will be held Friday, July 20, from 5 to 7pm at the church with a prayer service to follow.  Inurnment will take place in Milbank City Cemetery.

Ruth Eileen (Steiner) Schneck was born on January 14, 1925, to Edwin and Lillian (Kottke) Steiner in Hutchinson, MN.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith and lived in rural Big Stone City, SD.  She attended country school and graduated from big Stone High School in 1942.  Ruth Completed Teacher’s Training in Aberdeen, SD, and thereafter, taught country school in rural Milbank, SD.

On August 23, 1944, Ruth was united in marriage to Weston Schneck at the farm of her parents near Big Stone City and to this union, six children were born.  Weston and Ruth made their home in the Ortonville area for 68 years.  Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, and an excellent church organist with an extensive knowledge of church and classical music.  She taught piano and organ lessons to multiple generations of students.  Ruth felt that it was her mission in life to teach music to as many kids as she could and prepare them to play in their own churches.

Ruth was also an avid quilter and faithful attendee of Day of Love at First English Church for many years.  She made many quilts cherished by her children and grandchildren in the colors and design of their choosing.  Ruth spent nearly three years at the Clinton Care Center where she enjoyed interactions with the staff, residents, relatives, and friends.

Ruth highly valued the quality time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: enjoying updates of their diverse activities.

She is survived by her six children: Rodger (Nancy) Schneck of Milan, MN, Richard (Pam) Schneck of Clinton, MN, Robert (Cyndi) Schneck of Hillsboro, ND, David (Karen) Schneck of Fergus Falls, MN, Weston Dean (Dawn) Schneck of Faribault, MN, and Donna Jo (Wayne) Kopitzke of New London, MN; her 11 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Weston; and her parents.