Ruth Marie Schelander

Ruth Marie Schelander, age 88, passed away in Fresno, CA on December 21, 2007. Ruth, a retired secretary, was baptized, confirmed, and married in the First Lutheran Church of Washington, PA. She was quite proud of the pin she received for perfect Sunday School attendance from kindergarten through high school. Ruth, an accomplished musician, was a member of the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra for many years as a violinist. She also sang in the church choir and at many funerals and weddings. She enjoyed playing the accordion, organ, piano, violin, zither, and the Scandinavian instrument nyckelharpa. Ruth also won many awards and blue ribbons over the years for her needlework, sewing, and baking skills. She obtained a Masters rating for her Hardanger needlework, and frequently exhibited her pieces at the Fresno Fair. Ruth also served as a foster parent for the Infants of Prague adoption agency for over 10 years. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Carl and Mathilda Johnson, her siblings Arthur, Leonard, and Anna, and her husband Oscar. She is survived by her brother Reverend Harry Johnson and his family, daughter Anna and her husband Ron and daughter Astrid and her husband Ron; grandchildren Krista, Aaron, and Donna, great grandchildren Stephanie and Michael.; many nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held for Ruth on January 5, 2008 at Hope Lutheran Church in Fresno, CA. A gravesite service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on January 14th, 2008 at the Washington Cemetery in Washington, PA. Ruth will be buried next to her husband Oscar.