Ruth K Spaude

Obituary of Ruth Katharine Spaude nee Wilch "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 These words from the Scriptures were given to Ruth Wilch to remember when she was confirmed in her Christian faith. They are also an account of her life. She was given physical life when she was born into the family of Aaron Emmanuel Wilch and Emma Viola nee Heldman, of Jenera, Ohio, on May 17, 1924. She was given new birth into the family of believers when she was baptized on June 15, 1924 at Trinity Lutheran Church. She reaffirmed her baptismal vows on June 26, 1938. God blessed Ruth with gifts of intellectual curiosity, passion and compassion for those who do not know Jesus, and humility for service wherever there was need. These gifts were cultivated and nurtured at Michigan Lutheran Seminary where she graduated in 1942, and at Dr. Martin Luther College where she graduated with a three year teaching diploma in 1945. God provided opportunities for Ruth to serve the children and families of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church and School in Benton Harbor, Michigan and St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School in Saginaw, Michigan. Ruth married Luther Spaude on June 26, 1949. Their marriage was blessed with four children, Naomi, Bethel, Stephen, and Michael. Ruth taught her children to know Jesus, showed them how to pray, and modeled for them a life of faith and humble service. Ruth served the children and families of Fairview Lutheran Church and School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as a kindergarten teacher, taught Sunday School for many years, taught piano, and served wherever she was needed. Ruth was called out of this vale of tears to her heavenly home on December 4, 2013. She was preceded in death by her husband Luther, and is survived by her children, Naomi (Mrs. Paul Doehling), Bethel (Mrs. Glen Schmiege), Stephen, and Michael (Rachel), by her grandchildren, Joshua Doehling, Nathaniel Doehling, Luke Doehling, Aaron Doehling, Benjamin Schmiege, Jeremiah Schmiege, Hannah Schmiege, Rebekah Brunoehler, Caleb Schmiege, Sarah Schmiege, Katharine Koelpin, Laura Stuebs, Paul Spaude, David Spaude, and Daniel Spaude. She is further survived by sons- and daughters- in- law, and five great grandchildren, Abrie Doehling, Ella, Eli and Nora Doehling, and Geneva and Cy Schmiege. A Christian funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Friday at 1 p.m. There will be a visitation from noon until the time of service. The service will be conducted by Rev. Edwin Fredrich. There will be a meal after the service at Trinity Lutheran Church. Memorials can be given in lieu of flowers to the Hope Residence in Belle Plaine, Minnesota.