Ruth Schanbacher (Fast)

Ruth Mae Schanbacher, age 92 and a longtime resident of Chapman Lake, passed away quietly at 11:05 a.m. on April 22, 2019 in Grace Village Retirement Community, Winona Lake.

The daughter of Dee Walter and Edith Mae (Hellwarth) Fast, Ruth was born on March 25, 1927 in Mercer County Ohio. She graduated as valedictorian from Rockford High School in 1944 and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Manchester College. On June 11, 1955, Ruth was united in marriage to John Schanbacher. The pair spent more than sixty-three years together before Ruth’s Monday morning passing.

A cheerleader and homecoming queen in high school, Ruth had an outgoing personality which she would come to be known for throughout her life. She was a member of Kosciusko County Chorus and the Trinity United Methodist Church Choir. She was very active as a member at Trinity UMC where she taught Sunday School and was a member of United Methodist Women. She volunteered at Cardinal Center, visited with shut-ins and was very community minded. Professionally she was a retired elementary teacher.

Those left to cherish her memory include husband, John Schanbacher of Chapman Lake; son, Jim Schanbacher of Warsaw and daughter, Brenda Schanbacher of Warsaw. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Raven (husband, Justin) Donovan of Lake Tippecanoe and Cory Schanbacher of Warsaw and three great-grandchildren: Julian Ramos of Warsaw, Mercady Harris of Lake Tippecanoe and Remy Mae Donovan of Lake Tippecanoe. Ruth was preceded in passing by her parents; four sisters: Betty Hinkle, Mildred Ransbottom, Mary Helen Arnold and Kay Baney; brother, Robert Fast and infant-brother, Paul Fast.

Friends will be welcomed on Tuesday, April 30th between 10 and 11 a.m. and again between 1 and 3 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 832 East Center Street, Warsaw. A funeral service, which begins at 11 a.m., will be officiated by Pastor Ernie Troxell. Titus Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Trinity United Methodist Church or to Cardinal Services, 504 North Bay Drive, Warsaw, IN 46580. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.TitusFuneralHome.com.