Ruth was born in Harvey, ND to William & Eleanor (Schimmel) Pattis on August 12, 1943. She grew up on a farm in rural Anamoose, ND. She graduated from Drake High School in North Dakota in 1961.

She married Harold Schmitz on June 2, 1962 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Harvey, ND. Ruth worked for 22 years in the Webster School System and most recently she held the position of business manager before retiring.

Ruth enjoyed traveling, camping, dancing, and various needlework and craft projects, and she looked forward to preparing Holiday meals for her children and grand children.

Ruth was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church the Altar Society an active member of the American Cancer Society, Chairman of the Day County Relay For Life.

Grateful for having shared her life is her husband; Harold of Webster, SD, three sons; Mike (Alice) Schmitz of Alexandria, MN, David of Littleton, CO, and Bil (Laurie) Schmitz of Olivia, MN, 5 grandchildren; Zachary, Amanda, Justin, Ashley, & Morgan Schmitz, one brother; Don Pattis of Anamoose, ND, and two sisters; Ruby (Jim) Nelson of Enderlin, ND and Florence (David) Tag of Enderlin, ND

Her parents preceded her in death.