Ruth F. (Wessels) Schulte

Ruth F. Schulte, 88, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at the Regional Medical Center in Manchester.  Ruth was born on May 16, 1928, near Aplington, the daughter of Diedrich and Tena (Klingenborg) Wessels.  She attended Aplington Consolidated Schools and graduated in 1946.  Ruth then attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, where she received her teaching certificate.  Ruth taught at Earlville and St. Mary Catholic School.  She later volunteered at St. Mary School.

On June 17, 1950, Ruth was united in marriage to Raymond Paul Schulte, by Father Hovermann, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester.  The couple bought their first farm in 1955, where their six children were born and raised. Together they farmed in Delaware County until 1977 when they moved to their housing development in Manchester, the Northtowne Estates.  Ray passed away on December 1, 2002. 

Ruth was a longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, the Assumption Choir, a former member of Our Lady of Fatima Study Club, and St. Mary Altar and Rosary Society.  Ruth was also a member of the Swing Sisters Choir and was a 4-H leader of the Country Maids.

Ruth enjoyed music, especially Gospel and Country Western, traveling in their motorhome, and the winters they spent in their Florida home.  She and Ray especially loved having their families come down to visit them.  Her grandchildren were very special to her.  Ruth enjoyed gardening, baking, and caring for her family.

Survivors left to cherish her memory include two sons, Douglas (Delana) Schulte and Daniel (Ann) Schulte all of Manchester; two daughters, Debra (David) Wendt of Delhi, and Darla (Bill) Rave of Manchester; one daughter-in-law, Sue Schulte of Manchester; 18 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Lois Wessels of Aplington; sister-in-law, Lois Schulte of Edgewood; brother and sister-in-law, Ed and MaryAnn Schulte of Manchester; and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Raymond Schulte; one daughter, DeAnn Schulte; one son, David Schulte; twin grandsons James and John Schulte; and one brother, Ralph Wessels.

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