Ruth Rust

Ruth Jean Rust, 89, died on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 in Sanford Nursing Home in Hillsboro, ND. She was born September 10, 1930 into a blended family. Her father, John Schlichtmann, was an immigrant from Hamburg, Germany and her mother, Olga Huemoeller Stanley Schlichtmann was from Minnesota. They each brought 3 children to the family and they had five children together. Ruth was baptized into the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) on November 2, 1930 and confirmed March 25, 1945, both by Pastor RT Schuricht. In school, students sat in alphabetical order, and Ruth Schlichtmann sat behind Vernon Rust. They became High School sweethearts. Vernon and Ruth were united in marriage on September 29, 1952. They were blessed with a son, Randal Duane and a daughter, Bonnie Jean. Ruth attended Bloomfield school #1 for seven years and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1948. Following HS, she attended Interstate Business College and passed the Civil Service exam. Ruth worked for the USDA as an auditor for several years. In 1960, she began working in the office of the Hillsboro Public Schools, a job she held for 32 years until retiring in 1992 as its business manager. Her commitment to HS students led her to encourage participation in the H-509 Dollars for Scholars program, which was dear to her heart. Ruth was known for her attention to detail and used that talent for planning and organizing events at work, in the community, in her church, and within the family. She was a life-long member of St. John Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School, attended Bible Studies, made quilts, and was an active leader in the LWML. Spending time with family was Ruth’s greatest joy. She treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their antics would always bring a smile to her face. She was also compassionate and supportive of the Witt foster kids. Ruth looked forward to staying connected with extended family, through biennial reunions. She always had stories to share. Ruth also enjoyed reading, golfing, playing cards, making quilts, working puzzles, and watching Minnesota Twins baseball. Her husband, Vernon, was called to his eternal home on May 2nd, 1965. Other family members who preceded her in death included her parents, brothers and sisters Henry (Orrel) Schlichtmann, Walter (Ina) Schlichtmann, Margaret (Fred) Behnke, Herbert Schlichtmann, Vivian O’Donnell, Dorothy (Fred) Hintz, Eleanor (Kenneth) Ydstie, Shirley (John) Taylor, and Lois (Daniel) Maisel; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law Albert and Emma Rust, and brothers/sisters-in-law Elmer (Renata) Dickhoff, Willard (Sally) Dickhoff, and Evelyn (William) Meyer; and Great Grandson, Leo Robert Wilson. Ruth is survived by her brother Raymond (Sharon) Schlichtmann, her son, Randy (Judy) Rust, his children Maggie (Bob) Wilson, John Rust, and Jacob (Nicole) Rust; her daughter Bonnie (Craig) Braymen, and her children Aurora (Rob) Witt, Erica (Lief) Christensen, and Marissa Braymen (Brian Swinkels); Great grandsons Tyler, Oakley, and Henrik Wilson, Noah Rust, Asa and Aksel Christensen. Ruth also has many nieces and nephews. Ruth and the family are so appreciative of the loving care that was given by the Sanford Nursing Home and Hospice staff. If you are so moved, memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Red River Valley. PUBLIC VISITATION: 4-7 PM Monday at St. John Lutheran Church - and also one hour prior to the service in the church on Tuesday PUBLIC FUNERAL SERVICE: 2 PM Tuesday at St. John Lutheran Church BURIAL: Immanuel Cemetery near Hillsboro, ND