Ruth Elaine (Kendall) Schultz, a longtime Hines resident and past Hines mayor, passed away Feb. 28 in Bend following a brief hospitalization. She was surrounded by loved ones.

Born in 1941 in New Prague, Minn., Ruth lived in Minneapolis, New Prague, and Le Center, before her father was discharged from the Navy following the close of Word War II. The family relocated to Pomeroy, Wash., in 1945, then later to Pullman, Wash., in 1948 where Ruth remained until she married. She attended Washington State University (WSU) and later worked for the WSU General Extension Service and Physical Education Department.  In 1962, Ruth married Army 1st Lieutenant James (Jim) Herman Schultz, who was the handsome older brother of a high school friend. In 1963, the couple welcomed their first daughter, Lisa. They lived in Killeen, Texas, while Jim was stationed at Fort Hood. In late 1965, they welcomed their second daughter, Barbra, while living in Pullman, before settling in Hines in 1966. Ruth remained at their home in Hines until her passing.

In her early years, Ruth’s focus and energy was on raising her girls and supporting her husband who taught at the local high school. Aside from being a fabulous mom and wife, Ruth worked as a secretary for the local Les Schwab, then as an office manager and dental assistant for Dr. Wood, and later as an office specialist for the Oregon Department of Human Resources. With her children grown, she “retired” in 1996 along with her husband. She then devoted her energies to helping her community by serving as a Hines councilwoman from 1996-2003, then Hines mayor 2003-2011. After leaving her mayoral position, Ruth served on the Harney County Senior Center board.

Ruth’s civic endeavors weren’t her only interests. Up until her stroke in July of 2012, she was a very skilled seamstress, knitter, artist, and, most recently, had developed a great love for felting. Throughout her life, she gifted family and friends with crafted treasures. Ruth enjoyed selling items at bazaars and was always a highly-awarded entrant in the county fair.

Ruth’s love for genealogy inspired her to organize the first DAR Chapter in Harney County, the Fort Harney Chapter. She was a Founding Regent, held multiple offices including state historian, and remained active with the local chapter until it disbanded in 2005. She then joined the Bend Chapter and continued her interest and continued her extensive research. She was well known by family and friends for compiling genealogies for all — she loved sleuthing. She was also active with the Harney County Historical Society.

As a relative and friend, Ruth was known for her quick wit, her kindness, and desire to support her community. She continued her love of flowers, animals, music, and retained her interest in local and national politics. Even in the last years of her life, she enjoyed going to the Senior Center, attending the fair and parades, and found joy in just spending time with her lifetime love, Jim.

Ruth leaves behind Jim, her beloved husband of 55 years. She is also survived by her sister, Joyce Jaros of Shelton, Wash.; daughter, Lisa Johnson, and partner, Neal Millius, of Eatonville, Wash.; daughter, Barbra Schultz of Bend; granddaughter, Emily Krieg and her husband, Jason, and great-granddaughter, Summer, of Yacolt, Wash.; granddaughter, Marissa Gifford and her husband, Heath, of Kirkland, Wash.; and many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial is to be held on Saturday, June 30. A short graveside internment is planned for 2 p.m. at the Burns Cemetery, followed by a gathering at the Harney County Senior and Community Services  Center from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Please join us in celebrating her rich and wonderful life.