Ruth M. Schmidt

Ruth Marie Schmidt, age 83, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. She was born in Batavia, IL, to Frank and Helen White.

As a young girl, Ruth moved to Bellingham, WA, with her family. Ruth graduated from Bellingham High School with the class of 1960, where she enjoyed cheerleading, dances, time with friends, and met her husband, Roger Schmidt. After high school, Ruth attended business college, where she studied bookkeeping. Ruth always had a strong work ethic, working many jobs while raising her family. She later loved her job as an Administrative Assistant at Fire District 2 until her retirement.

Ruth had many hobbies over the years. She was a talented seamstress and cake decorator, often making customized cakes for birthdays and weddings, as well as sewing clothes and costumes for family. She especially loved skiing at Mount Baker, which she continued to do well into her 70s. Ruth loved to travel, going on many road trips with her family and even exploring Costa Rica and Paris in recent years. She remained close with the Bellingham High School class of 1960 and was active in her community, often planning and attending game nights, movie nights, and potlucks. Ruth loved the Lord, which moved her to volunteer in Christ the King’s garden and connect with her LOL (Little Old Ladies) group. More than anything, Ruth cherished time around her kitchen table playing games, laughing, and sharing stories with friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ruth was incredibly grateful for the life and family she built with her husband, Roger, the love of her life, with whom she shared many special memories.

Ruth will be remembered for her kindness and compassion for others. She selflessly cared for the people around her and volunteered her time whenever she could. It was not uncommon for her to pause whatever she was doing to lend a helping hand.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Schmidt; parents, Frank and Helen White; sister Jeanne Johnson; mother-in-law, Vaneta Schmidt; and granddaughter, Nicole Spyksma.

Ruth is survived by her brother, Jim White; children, Joe Schmidt (Jodee), Becky Spyksma, and Amy Graham (Johnny); grandchildren, Booker Schmidt (Jenn), Jaydee Johnson (Michael), Carson Schmidt, Naomi Spyksma (Ramon), Natasha Spyksma, Brittany Beauchamp (Jeremy), and Rayder Frank; great-grandchildren Reagan, Reese, Nelli, Camila, Ellie, Junior, and another on the way.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Squalicum Boathouse (2600 N Harbor Loop Dr, Bellingham) on Friday, July 10, at 1:00 p.m.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the wonderful staff at Whatcom Hospice House for their care of Ruth.

If you wish to remember Ruth with a gift, please consider making a donation to Whatcom Hospice House or supporting Christ the King’s Food Share and Farm program in Ruth’s honor.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7