SCHAEFER, Ruth Margaret

Camp Verde Bugle, Cottonwood, Arizona Thursday, April 28, 2016 Ruth Pranspill Schaefer 1920-2016 Ruth Pranspill Schaefer died at home in Cottonwood on April 25th at the age of 95. She was a member of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church of Cornville. She was predeceased by three husbands, Edwin Luehrsen, George Pranspill and John Schaefer. Ruth Margaret Rovey was born June 28, 1920 in Phoenix, the fifth child and only daughter of Albert and Minnie Hartmann Rovey. She grew up on the 80 acre family farm at 19th Avenue and Bethany Home Road in Phoenix. Her brothers, all of whom are deceased, were Arthur, Arnold, Emil and Carl Rovey. Ruth graduated from Glendale High School, the class of 1938. She received her Registered Nurse certification from St. Joseph's Nursing School in Phoenix in 1942, graduating at the top of her class, then went to work at St. Joseph's Hospital. In 1956, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree, cum laude, from Arizona State University in Tempe. She continued teaching at St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing, ultimately as Director of In-service Education for Nurses. In 1961, she and her husband, Edwin Luehrsen, moved to Prescott, where Ruth worked as Director of Nursing Service at the Yavapai Community Hospital. She served on the Standards Committee of the Arizona Hospital Association and was appointed by Governor Paul Fannin to the Arizona State Board of Nursing. After her husband's death in 1968, Ruth continued to live in Prescott working at the hospital and for local physicians. In 1986, she married George Pranspill. They settled in Cottonwood, where they were active supporters of the Verde Valley Concert Association and Peace Lutheran Church until George's death in 2002. In 2006, Ruth married John Schaefer, a widower whom she had known for 60 years. John died in 2009, at which time Ruth declared that she would not marry again. Ruth was happiest when she was able to help others, which she did for her entire life. Ruth Schaefer is survived by 14 nephews and nieces, their children and grandchildren. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 30 at 10 a.m. at Westcott Funeral Home, 1013 E. Mingus Avenue in Cottonwood. Before the service, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., there will be a time for visitation and viewing. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery in Glendale, Arizona. Memorials in her memory may be made to Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, PO Box 1169, Cornville, AZ 86325. An online guestbook is available to sign at www.westcottfuneralhome.com. Information provided by survivors.