Ruth Jean Schmidt-Harris

Ruth Jean Flanagan Schmidt Harris passed away December 18th at Merrill Gardens in Anthem, AZ. Born January 27, 1929 in Philadelphia, PA to Elsie Dettinger and George Flanagan. Preceded in death by her parents, her sister Doris, half-sister Beatrice, first husband Roland Schmidt, second husband James Harris and son Richard Alan Schmidt.

Cherishing her memory are her 5 grandchildren Carey (Jeff) Spitler, Kristie (Alex) Medina, Bryan (Kelli) Jelinger, Nicolas Schmidt, Andy (Dayna) Schmidt as well as her 6 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

Making it to the glorious age of 94, she lived wonderful life despite some rough patches. Due to the death of her mother at an early age of 9 months and an ill equipped father, Ruth and her sister Doris ended up at Angel Guardian Orphanage in 1933. In 1934, her father remarried and was able to get the girls back, unfortunately it only lasted a few months and they ended up back in the orphanage in 1935 where her 6 year old sister Doris passed away from an illness. Ruth graduated from the orphanage in 1947.

Ruth found her half-sister Beatrice and moved to Toledo, Ohio where she met Rollie Schmidt. In less than a year they knew it was forever and eloped September 11, 1948. Newlywed and ready for the world they had their only son August 21, 1949, Richard. Ruth was a full time everything. From worker, wife, mother, grandmother, owner, she did it with amazing grace and love. Ruth loved vacationing with her family to Innisbrook, in Palm Harbor, FL. She enjoyed the many local gems of Toledo, especially the zoo. Ruth helped build her husband's business, starting it in their basement and growing it to much bigger things. After their business was no more, she couldn't sit still long and returned to school at Statzenburger's, where she completed transcription and medical term courses. Ruth started working for Dr. Berlachers office until 1995 when she began working for Gary Brown and stayed with him until she retired. In 2001, Ruth took care of her husband who passed away in 2004. Ruth enjoyed spending time making memories with her family after.

In 2011 while attending a reunion for the orphanage she reunited with Jim Harris, who had caught her eye when they were younger. Both widowed, fate had brought them back together and they were married in 2013. They enjoyed many adventures together from cruises to themed dinner nights with friends. They lived in Riverside, CA until moving to Anthem, AZ in 2017. They lived happily together until his passing on Thanksgiving 2020. She continued to live at Merrill Gardens the rest of her days being loved by all who met her. May be lost but never forgotten.