Ruth Elizabeth Schoenecke

Ruth Elizabeth Schoenecke

Authored by Ruth

Ruth Elizabeth Schoenecke was born April 26, 1932 to Clarence Ward and Hattie (Van Hauen) Ward north of Marshall OK. She passed to her eternal reward on November 9, 2025. She moved to Hayward, OK in 1938 and attended school there all twelve years graduating as Valedictorian in 1950. Ruth was saved at Hayward United Brethren Church at age 11, and baptized in Hayward Lake. She faithfully attended church and later joined and baptized into the Baptist Church.

Ruth worked at Tinker Air Force Base 15 years and served 40 years on the local Election Board. She stayed active and won many ribbons at County Fairs, was a member of National Association of Retired Federal Employees, and the Rural Carrier Auxiliary. She loved to travel and toured all 50 states and went to over 40 Kickapoo Good Sam Samborees. In recent years she attended Harrah Senior Center enjoying fellowship and activities. She was a faithful member of Hillside Baptist Church and demonstrated good Christian values throughout her life.

She married Charles Leo Schoenecke on October 10, 1959 and they were married for 55 years. They were blessed with three children: Kelvin (Teresa) Schoenecke, Meeker OK, Charlotte (Scott) Durkee, Wichita KS, and Marvin (Elisabeth) Schoenecke, Hollister MO. She was very proud of her ten grandchildren. Kandice (Travis) Taylor, Seth (Ariel) Schoenecke, Kayla (Aaron) Johnston, Joshua Durkee, Caleb (Hannah) Durkee, Levi (Zeanne) Durkee, Hannah (Isaac) Reel, Daniel (Mariah) Schoenecke, Andrew (Grace) Schoenecke and Jessica Schoenecke. There are ten great-grandchildren, Grace, Lilly, Jess, Abel, Jaxon, Mason, Barrett, Samuel, Peter, and Jacob.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, parents, Clarence and Hattie, and siblings, Vernon, Norman, Chester, Arthur, and Rex (twin) Ward, and sister Almeda (Ward) Moore. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Friends may greet the family 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the Hillside Baptist Church on HWY 62 north of McLoud. Burial will follow in the White Dove Cemetery of Sparks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the White Dove Cemetery, PO Box 11, Sparks, OK 74869.

Arrangements are under the care of Asa Smith Funeral Services of Harrah. Online condolences may be made at www.asasmith.net