Ruth Gladys (Mittelstaedt) Schulz, 93

Ruth Gladys (Mittelstaedt) Schulz, 93, previously of Monte Vista, Colorado, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Loveland, Colorado on April 21, 2017 at Seven Lakes Memory Care facility where she resided for almost three years.

Ruth was born on Christmas Day 1923 in Missoula, Montana where she lived during her early years except for brief periods in Tucson, Arizona and Connell, Washington.  Ruth graduated from Missoula High School in 1942 and graduated the University of Montana in 1946 with a degree in dietetics.  After completing an internship at Johns Hopkins Hospital, she worked as head dietician at Milwaukee County General Hospital before returning to Montana in 1949 to marry the love of her life, Ronald Schulz. They were married for 55 years. His career in the U.S. Forest Service took them to various towns in Montana and finally to Monte Vista in 1962, where they raised five children and Ruth resided for 52 years.

In addition to being a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Ruth was active in the Monte Vista United Methodist Church and the local chapter of PEO.  She was involved in the community as a longtime volunteer with the San Luis Valley 9News Health Fair and as a precinct judge for many elections. She enjoyed travel, reading mysteries, flower gardening, and was a wonderful cook and baker.

She is preceded in death by her husband Ronald Schulz, her parents Emil and Clara Mittelstaedt, sister Margaret Little and brother, Donald Mittelstaedt. 

Survivors include children, Betsy (Brian Lavelle) of Oakland, California, Doug (Diane) of Littleton, Colorado, Paul (Joanie) of Fort Collins, Colorado, Jim (Misty) of Monroe, Washington, and Keith (Terri) of Fort Collins, Colorado; grandchildren Devin (Fiona) Lavelle, Ethan (Raena) Lavelle, Greg Schulz, Joel Schulz, Cecily (Mat) Montgomery, Farrell (Wesley) Heide,  Avalyn (Matthew) Collier, Jake Schulz, and Lily Schulz; great-grandchildren Ryan Rose Lavelle, Henry Rupert Lavelle, Riley Doron Montgomery, and Ruth Carley Montgomery.

She was beloved by nieces, nephews and many friends.  The family is so grateful for the loving and caring support received from The Legacy of Monte Vista, Seven Lakes Memory Care in Loveland, and Halcyon Hospice. 

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at a future date.  In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate remembrances be made to the Monte Vista Food Bank or Colorado Alzheimer’s Association Please visit VesseyFuneralService.com to send online condolences.