Ruth Elaine Menke daughter of Fred and LaVern (Ziegler) Menke was born December 12, 1928 in Gregory, South Dakota. She received her early education at a rural school near Clearfield, SD and graduated high school in Mission, SD. She then attended Chadron State College graduating with a Bachelor of Science –Education.

Ruth Married Raymond Leo Schaefer on September 27, 1952 in Valentine, NE. Their home was blessed with two daughters. Ruth taught 1st grade for 40 years. She was a member of American Legion Auxiliary, Nebraska Education Association, Sandhills Area Foundation, St. Nicholas Catholic Church and Tuesday Morning Bible Study. Ruth was a very caring person and always ready to help anyone in need.
Ruth passed away October 26, 2016 at Cherry County Hospital at age 87. She was preceded in death by her parents Fred & Lavern Menke, husband Raymond, sister Bonnie Copeland and son-in-law Jeff Jacobsen. She is survived by daughters Sandra R. Jacobsen of Salado, TX, Terri L. Kreycik and husband Mike of Ainsworth and sister DeEtta Nicholas of Michigan. Also surviving are grandchildren; Jennifer Willis, Echo Jacobsen, Chelsea Jacobsen, Jeff Kreycik, Jon Kreycik and Jesse Kreycik.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, October 28, 2016 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Valentine. Burial followed at Mount Hope Cemetery. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was entrusted with funeral arrangements.