The family of Ruth A. Schimpf Gremling Wiechart, age 87 of Lima, rejoices after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, she went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, passed away Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, at 12:45 p.m., surrounded by her children at Lima Convalescent Home.

She was born July 1, 1935 in Lima to the late Paul and Berndine (Courtney) Gilmore.

She was a 1953 graduate of St. Gerard School and was named Girl of the Year by her graduating class for her smile and personality. She was a lifetime member of St. Gerard Catholic Church.

She was married Aug. 26, 1954 to William H. Schimpf, who passed Sept. 20, 1995. She died on what was their 68th anniversary. Blessed from this union were five sons and five daughters: Michael J. (Sandra) Schimpf of Lima, Deborah M. (Bruce) Higgins of Port Austin, MI, Martha Jane Schimpf (stillborn), Beth A. (Michael) Wechta of Bluffton, Mary Diane Evans, William L. “Billy” (dec;d) & Brenda Schimpf, and Sharon L. Jahnz all of Lima, Andrew P. (Laurette) Schimpf of Gomer, John E. Schimpf and Christopher G. (Brittany) Schimpf both of Elida.

Robert Gremling her second husband, preceded her in death.

She then married on Mar. 5, 2011, James Wiechart, who passed on Feb. 5, 2017, and added seven stepchildren to the family. They include Sue (Dana) White of Blacklick, Cathy (Gary) Garman of Spencerville, John “Jack” (Joyce) Wiechart and William (Jan) Wiechart both of Delphos, Don Wiechart, Lori (Dr. Ronald) Ringwald and James (Katherine) Wiechart all of Spencerville.

Also surviving are 50 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was a sister to the following siblings: Marion (Clyde) Mefferd both deceased and Phyllis (Richard dec’d) Howland of Kettering. She leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She lived a life, always showing unconditional love. She was a kind-hearted and a generous soul. In the spare time of her raising her children she sold World Book encyclopedias and worked for the Lima Public Library. Every month, she met with her graduating classmates. In 1979, she and her husband Bill were named parents of the year by Defiance College, while her daughters were attending there. She had also worked at Lima Millworks after Bill passed away.

Her Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022 at St. Gerard Catholic Church, with Fr. Mike Sergi & Fr. David Ross officiating. Burial will be in Gethsemani Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be Monday from 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday from 2-4, and 6-8 p.m. at the Shawnee Chapel of Chiles-Laman Funeral Home, where a Parish Wake Service will be held at 8:00 p.m.

Ruth’s children wish to extend their sincere thanks for the great care by the staff at Lima Convalescent Home, Mercy Health-St. Rita’s and St. Rita’s Hospice.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita’s Hospice, The Alzheimer’s Association or St. Gerard’s.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.