Ruth Francis Schatz

With her loving family at her side, Ruth Schatz, 89, went to be with the Lord on November 20, 2025. Ruth was born in Wurzburg, Germany. She survived her childhood through the hardships and horrors of WWII. In 1953, she met Ray Schatz, a young American service member stationed in Germany. They fell in love! Ruth immigrated to the United States in 1954 to marry Ray. Theirs was a whirlwind romance that blossomed into 42 years of marriage, raising their three sons and two daughters in Billings, Montana. Ray passed away in 1996.

Ruth was the embodiment of charity, compassion and others-centeredness. She was an active and involved mother to John, Rick, Jeff, Tammy & Michelle; she was also the most favorite neighborhood ‘go-to’ mom for all her kids’ friends! She was the one all the kids in the neighborhood came to. The house was always full and she baked dozens of cookies and always had treats for them to enjoy. Ruth was always driving kids to school (her kids, neighbor kids, kids she didn’t even know!); she was always at the center of her kid’s special events and her family’s recreational outings. She fried chicken and made potato salad for picnics in Red Lodge. She was an amazing cook and baker.

In the midst of all the action with her own family, Ruth managed to faithfully care for many other people: caring for their homes, their kids and their needs. Ruth routinely ran errands to the store, made hospital visits and provided meals for the many, many people she loved and cared for. On many occasions through the years, the local hospitals called on Ruth to run back-and forth to translate for German tourists who needed medical attention. On those occasions, Ruth was more than a bridge for medical assistance; she became a life-long friend and encourager, corresponding with those patients for years to come.

In one particularly challenging season, Ray and Ruth invited the wife of a hospitalized German tourist to stay in her home while, at the same time, she continued all of her other tasks and activities for her family and friends. Simply amazing!

Ruth never lost her German accent – it was a most charming and endearing characteristic that started countless conversations with strangers who would become friends. She was a warm, outgoing, joyful soul with eyes that sparkled and whose laughter was contagious.

Ruth was over-the-top devoted to her precious grandchildren; many crazy and wonderful adventures were had by various grandchildren when ‘Grams’ would load them into the car and blast off to whatever was next! As she did with her own sons, daughters and their spouses -Ruth had a way of bringing out the very best her in her grandkids. In the last several years, Ruth developed a special love, affection and bond with all of her great grandchildren.

Ruth was preceded in death by husband Ray; brother Heinz Weigler.

Ruth is survived by her loving family: John, Rick (Brenda), Jeff (Barb), Tammy (Rob) Griggs, Michelle (James) Gerondale; her many grandchildren and great grandchildren; her brother Horst Weigler in Germany. A private family memorial service is to be held soon.

There is absolutely no way to begin to tell the countless stories of Ruth’s life, love, affection, sensitivity, influence and impact in the lives of her family, friends and community. It is deeply meaningful for her loved ones to know that she is now, of her own strong faith, in the presence of Jesus and many loved ones who have gone before her. God is good and He can be trusted!