Jimmie Ruth Schat

On April 7, 2025, the world lost a truly remarkable woman, Jimmie Ruth Schat, at the age of 84. Born on August 8, 1940, in Norman, Oklahoma, Jimmie spent her entire life in the place she called home. Known affectionately as “Granny” to nearly everyone, Jimmie’s legacy is one of selflessness, strength, and an unwavering devotion to her faith.

Those who knew Jimmie will fondly recall her feisty spirit and quick wit. She had a knack for saying what was on her mind, often leaving family and friends smiling with her candid humor. Jimmie was the epitome of a selfless soul, a woman who always placed the needs of others above her own and had a knack for making people feel like family.

Her kitchen was the heart of her home, and her cooking could be described as nothing short of legendary. She was known to whip up the best salsa around, and her Facebook timeline was smothered with new recipes to try. Holidays were her favorite time of the year as they brought her loved ones together. Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas were often celebrated at her home, where laughter and love were the main courses.

Jimmie’s greatest accomplishments were her children, Bobby Ray Schat and Valerie Sue Schat, whom she raised with unwavering love and dedication as a single parent. She poured her heart into both her family and her career, her life a testament to resilience and devotion. Jimmie’s nurturing and compassionate spirit extended beyond her family into her career, where she served as a registered nurse in Oklahoma for an impressive 62 years. Even after retiring at the age of 79, Jimmie continued to touch the lives of everyone around her.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devoted Christian, Jimmie’s love for Jesus guided her through life’s trials and triumphs. Her words echo in our hearts: “My faith in God comes from His promise of eternal life in Heaven and is because of my ability to pick up His written word and read it. I love Jesus, and I pray one day that I can meet Him face-to-face and hear Him say, ‘Well done, my child. You may enter the kingdom of God.’”

Jimmie was preceded in death by her parents, Merle Victor Wilkerson and Hazel Lorene Wilkerson, and all six of her siblings, Russell (Leon), Betty, Catherine, Ronald, Merle, and Earl. She is survived by her two children, Bobby Ray Schat and Valerie Sue Schat, her three grandchildren, Robert Allen Schat, Lacey Nicole Heidel, and Cassidy Jade Roberts, and her seven great-grandchildren, Noah (16), Kip (10), Willow (9), Stevie (7), Oaklynn (5), Reese (4), and Chandler (1).

A visitation for Jimmie will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Primrose Funeral Service, 1109 North Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071. A celebration of life will occur Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Primrose Funeral Service.

Jimmie will be laid to rest in Chappel Hill Cemetery, Moffatt Road and 192nd St, Lexington, Oklahoma 73051.

Serving as pallbearers are Bobby Schat, Robert Schat, Dylan Roberts, Tyler Heidel, Noah Heidel and Kip Heidel.

Flowers, donations, and condolences for the family can be sent to 1109 North Porter Avenue, Norman, OK, 73071. Charitable donations can be made to the American Kidney Fund in memory of Jimmie Ruth Schat.