RUTH TEUTSCH SCHWAGER
The world has lost one of its truly gentle souls. Ruth Schwager died on October 9, 2013. She was born on April 27, 1912 in Augsburg, Germany to Arthur and Clara Teutsch, the second of three children. Ruth grew up in severe conditions resulting from the aftermath of World War I. She married Joseph Schwager on March 25, 1934 and a son, Peter, arrived on February 2, 1936. They were able to leave Germany in 1939 to escape from the Nazis; her parents were not so fortunate and perished in the Holocaust, which haunted her for the rest of her life.
After a 6 month stay in England, they received a visa and sailed the perilous U-boat infested waters of the Atlantic Ocean to arrive in New York City. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to rural Pennsylvania where Joe had rented a chicken farm. Before long, the family moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania, but left for Salt Lake City in 1944, where they joined Ruth's two brothers.
While Joe operated a small men's clothing store, Ruth supplemented the family income by working at Auerbach's department store and later as a weaving instructor for the Murray B. Allen Center for the Blind. In 1947 she began a 55 year association with the Pioneer Craft House as a weaving instructor.
Joe died in 1964; after a lengthy period of mourning, Ruth decided to get a college degree and started studying at Westminster College. In 1970 she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Art. As a graduation present, she treated herself to a 3 month tour of Central and South America, including a one month visit with friends in Argentina. This was just the first of many international travels she enjoyed.
Ruth found time to serve with Jewish Family Service, the American Association of University Women, and as a volunteer at Holy Cross Hospital. She also enjoyed volunteering at the yearly Passover wine sales at the synagogue.
Ruth lived to age 101 in her home. When she required more assistance, she moved to Silverado Senior Living for the final five months of her life. The staff at Silverado treated her with exceptional kindness. Dr. Fred Gottlieb provided compassionate care for many years and throughout her final days in hospice.
Ruth is survived by her son, Pete. Funeral services will be held at Evans & Early Mortuary, 574 East 100 South on Friday, October 11, 2013 at 12:00 noon with a visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Montefiore Cemetery, 4th Avenue and R Street following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please make a generous donation to your favorite charity.
Condolences may be shared at www.evansandearlymortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 23, 2013
Becky Allred
Peter: So grateful to read about your mother and her extraordinary life. You are an exemplary son of a remarkable woman. Thank you for sharing her with the rest of us.
October 14, 2013
Mike & Merry Barker
Dear Pete...Merry and I will miss your mother at the yearly Christmas party held at Diane Cooley. She alwyas seems so full of energy and we loved to listen to her play the piano. We are so happy you were able to spend as many years as you did with her and take her on trips. Our condolences and prayers go out to you from us as well as from the members of the Utah Corvette Club (your extended family)
October 12, 2013
Renee Schwager
Dear Pete, I'm so sorry about your loss. I remember how lovely and kind your mother was. She visited our family in Kingston years ago but I remember her fondly. My sincerest sympathy. Renee Schwager, Washington, DC
October 11, 2013
Tom Pick
Our condolences to you Pete, Ruth was always an inspiration to many people. She saw the "good" in everyone she touched. Tom, Jane, Lisa, Hans.
October 11, 2013
Annie Kjar
Dear Pete,
Your mother was absolutely amazing! She was truly an extremely talented women. Mom would use the word "divine" to describe Ruth. I am so grateful for the friendship she shared with my mom, Helen, for so many years. Best wishes.
Annie Shurtleff Kjar
October 11, 2013
Dear Peter: I so enjoyed knowing your mother Ruth, and seeing her at various Hadassah events and synagogue. She was unique and gracious. I shall miss her. I wish I could come to her funeral, but cannot. Please accept my sincere condolences. Leslie Dorius-Jones, Cottonwood Heights, Utah
October 10, 2013
Glenda Trevenen
Your sweet mother will truly be missed. She was so beautiful and loved you so very much. I loved her sparkling eyes and sweet smile when I would give her a piece of chocolate. She loved chocolate!
October 10, 2013
anita gander
Dear Peter, My condolences to you on the loss of Ruth, your mother. She was very dear to me and other women of the SLC Branch of AAUW. She attended faithfully, contributed to our discussions, raised money for us, and befriended many of us. The last time I saw Ruth was in Dr. Gottlieb's office as you accompanied her to one of her appointments. You have been a wonderfully faithful and attending son. Unfortunately, I will not be able to at her funeral tomorrow as I leave for a trip to visit my adult children tomorrow morning. Anita Moore Gander
October 10, 2013
Dear Pete,
We love you and want to let you know how much we thought of your mother. We were so sorry to hear of her passing. We enjoyed playing bridge with her. We admired her history and accomplishments. We know you will miss her but she will be taken care of for all eternity. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Love, Dean and Laura Mortensen
October 10, 2013
Harriet Rosen
Dear Pete,
Please accept my sincere sympathies on the loss of your dear Mother. I have such fond memories of a visit to her when we were in Salt Lake on business. Love, Harriet Schwager Rosen and family.
October 10, 2013
Dear Pete,
My sincere sympathies to you on the loss of your dear Mother. I have such fond memories of her when we visited her during a business trip to salt lake. Love, Harriet Schwager Rosen and family
October 10, 2013
Allie Diamond
Pete,
Thank you for sharing your beautiful mother with us. It has been an honor to be a small part of her care and to hear through you some of her amazing journeys and stories. I have the utmost respect for you and for the care, love and dedication you've shown your mother. What a wonderful son she raised! She was always proud of you.
October 10, 2013
John Dahlset
Pete, please accept our condolences on the passing of your Mother. She was a big part of your life for many years but she lived a long and full life. Thinking of you, John and Connie Dahlstet
October 10, 2013
Peter,although we haven't seen one another for decades, I remember you and your Mom coming to visit my folks in Long
Beach. Your Mom struck we as a vibrant,talented woman. I still have a couple of her weavings that she gave my parents. My Mom passed away last month. She was 91.
Best Wishes,Jo Ann Wells(Seliger)
October 10, 2013
Danny Gershoni
Dear Pete
The family in Israel sends her condolences
October 10, 2013
Maggie Baker
Pete,
I am friends of David and Laurie and had the honor of caring for our beloved Margot. I am sooo sorry for your loss. We are truly loosing a very special generation of people. I will light a candle for her today. Sincerely, Maggie Baker
October 10, 2013
Pete
Laurie and I were saddened to learn of Ruth's passing. We remember her as such a lovely and engaging woman. You have been a wonderful son to her. May she rest in peace.
David Schwager
October 10, 2013
Irit Schwager
Condolences from Irit Schwager and Ilana (Schwager) Knopfelmacher.
October 9, 2013
Dear Pete,
I truly am sorry for your loss. No matter what the situation, it is
difficult. I got to be close to your
mother in the year before I left for
San Diego. We enjoyed several stage
plays, concerts and even the symphony.
She will be missed by many.
Sincereoly,
Gail Hertz
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
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