Ruth Louise Matti

Ruth Louise (Schulz) Matti, of DeBary Florida, beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 99, Surrounded by loved ones on April 5th 2025 at The Halifax Hospice Care Center in Orange City, Florida.

She was the matriarch of a large and loving family, who referred to her as their “Queen Nana”.

Born July 11th 1925, in Amherst Ohio, (She referred to herself as “a week late firecracker!”)

She is predeceased by

Her Father, Walter A. Schulz, Her Mother, Louise M. (Bauman) Schulz, both from Amherst, Ohio, and her husband, Donald F. Matti, from Lorraine, Ohio.

She is survived by one brother,

James Schulz of Hillsdale, Michigan, and Three Children.

Two Daughters: Linda Statt, of Hilton, NY., and Jeanne Levinson, of DeBary, FL.

and one son: Navy Veteran, James D. Matti, (Amanda) of Jacksonville, FL.

Ruth graduated from Amherst High School, Class of 1943.

During the summer breaks of her College years, full of curiosity and spirit, Ruth began her work experience in the 1940’s aboard a Great Lakes Cruise Ship

After graduating from College, in Cleveland, Ohio with a Major in Business, she worked in various secretarial positions. She later served her community as a school administrator, touching the lives of countless children, before entering her golden years, and spending time enjoying her retirement. Ruth lived a life rich in humor, grace, resilience, and love.

She was the wife of Donald F. Matti, a proud Army Air Corp / Air Force Officer, WW2 veteran, and engineer with GE for NASA’s Apollo Moon Landing Space Program, with whom she shared a life of deep love and unwavering partnership.

Ruth was known for her love and devotion to her husband,

through there 47 years of marriage and her graceful resilience through all of life’s seasons was an example to her entire family.

She found immense joy in simple pleasures—most notably league bowling, bridge tournaments, singing, playing the piano, traveling overseas, and RVing across the country exploring The National Parks.

A devout Christian, she lived her faith gently—by being a steady, loving presence in the lives of all who knew her.

She was an active member of The First Presbyterian Church both in Daytona Beach and Ocala, Florida, and then for many years at the Central Christian Church in Ocala, Florida.

Her faith in Christ was steadfast and pure. She enjoyed serving as their Church Secretary, and loved singing in the Choir.

She judged no one, instead holding a space of warm, welcoming love. Ruth lived by example, embodying kindness, humility, and grace.

Ruth’s legacy will live on in the hearts and spirits of those she nurtured and loved. She was the heart of her family—the anchor through generations—a woman who held everyone with gentleness and strength.

She carried herself with quiet dignity, humility, and compassion, never judging others, always offering warmth and kindness.

She was the heart of her large, and loving family—the one who kept everyone connected, rooted, and grounded. Her legacy is felt in every act of kindness, every family gathering, and in the strength of the generations who follow her that also include :

One Nephew

Larry Schulz (Barbara) of Georgia. Two Neices:

Nancy Hutchison of Michigan,

Kathy Kiran (Jay) of Florida

Eight Grandchildren:

Ryan Statt, Kevin Statt

Virginia "Ginger" (Huffman) Adkins (Frank), Daniel "Jeremy" Huffman (Samantha), Christy Huffman, Joshua Huffman, Austin Matti, Alyssa Matti

Seventeen Great-Grandchildren:

Mackenzie Wilston, Tyler Wilston, Austin Adkins, Blake Adkins, Cali Adkins, Steven Livernois. Michelle (Livernois) Staruk, Heidi (Livernois) Giurbino, Elexa (Huffman) O'Grady, Hayley Huffman, Zachary Huffman, Jon-Thomas Huffman, Ava Huffman, Alyssa Huffman, Leighton Huffman, Caden Huffman, “Baby” Matti

And Sixteen Great-Great-Grandchildren:

Kora Livernois, Colton Livernois, Olivia Livernois, Landon Staruk, Mikayla, Staruk Kensley Staruk , Finley Staruk, DeMarcus Johnson, Daunte Johnson, Darrin Johnson, Sophia Guirbino, Trinity Meeker, Joelene O’Grady, Ethan Willard, Jazmine Madar, and Emery Huffman.

The Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday April 23rd 2025 at:

The Central Christian Church

3010 NE 14th Street

Ocala. Florida 34470

Officiated by:

Pastor Evan Nave

Ruth will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at:

Forest Lawn Memory Gardens

5740 S. Pine Avenue

Ocala, Florida 34480

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to:

Halifax Hospice Care Center

1625 Veterans Memorial Pkwy

Orange City, Florida 32763