Ruth Nischwitz

Ruth Clara Nischwitz, 94, of Gordonville passed away Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, at her home.

She was born Aug. 13, 1925, near Gordonville to Herman W. and Bertha Suedekum Sander.

She was baptized Sept. 20, 1925, in the home by the Rev. Vieh of St. James United Church of Christ in Tilsit and confirmed April 17, 1940.

Ruth attended grade school at the former Poplar Grove Elementary School and graduated in 1943 from Jackson High School as valedictorian of her class.

She and the late Harvey F. Nischwitz were married Feb. 18, 1947. Ruth assisted her husband on their dairy farm for many years and later worked at Walmart for one and a half years.

In 1949, she joined Zion Lutheran Church in Gordonville and became a member of the Ladies Aid in 1958. She served this women's service organization as president and, for a number of years, as treasurer. In her spare time, Ruth worked with many others in this group to make hundreds of quilts for Lutheran World Relief and was also an active member of the Gordonville Homemakers Club.

In her younger days, Ruth enjoyed cooking, baking and gardening. Even in her 90s, she loved to play cards, work crossword puzzles, and remember family and friends with phone calls, greeting cards, jokes and humorous stories.

Loving survivors include a daughter, Jean (Jim) Stubbs of Lee's Summit, Missouri; a son, James (Maria) Nischwitz of Wildwood, Missouri; grandchildren, Kristen (Colin McMillen) Stubbs, Kaci Stubbs, Emily Nischwitz and Erin Nischwitz; brother, Ralph (Jean) Sander of Golden, Colorado; and many devoted nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ray Sander; and sisters, Edna Lorberg and Blanche Schafer.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church in Gordonville.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Wayne Schwiesow officiating. Interment will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Zion Lutheran Church in Gordonville or St. James UCC in Tilsit Cemetery Fund.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.