Obituary of Ruby Schwager

SCHWAGER, Ruby, age 88, of Saginaw, Michigan passed away on Wednesday, December 04, 2013 at Luther Manor of Saginaw, four days before her 89th birthday and 1 month after her husband of 66 years, Donald had passed on October 27, 2013. Ruby was born on December 8, 1924 in Mebane, North Carolina to the late Clayton and Hallie (Corbett) Murphy. She married Donald Schwager, Sr. on January 8, 1947. Ruby graduated from Prospect Hill High School and served as a Cadet Nurse during World War II. This is where she would meet her future husband, Donald, who was serving in the United States Army in North Carolina. She continued to work most of her life as a Registered Nurse. She was also a member of the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption. Surviving are her six children: Don Schwager, Jr. of London, England, Mark Timothy Schwager and special friend, Ellen of Saginaw, Phillip Clayton Schwager of Saginaw, Gregory Murphy Schwager of Saginaw, Deborah Ann Scherer of Ypsilanti, and Bryce Andrew Schwager and his wife, Margot of Ypsilanti; 11 grandchildren: Neil, Kim, Kelly, Beth, Brianna, Christian, Lisa, Jon, Jenny, Michael and Matthew; 14 great-grandchildren; her brother, Clayton Murphy, Jr.; and many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings: Howard Murphy, Pauline Murphy, Billy Murphy, Margaret Howerton, Mary Frances Layne, and Faye Blaylock. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Luther Manor Nursing Home who lovingly cared for Ruby as her dementia progressed. Also thanks to Heartland Hospice who cared for both Ruby and Donald during the last year of their lives. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 12:00 noon on Friday, December 6, 2013 at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Ave. Rev. Fr. Andy Booms will officiate. Rite of Committal will take place at St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter (off State) on Thursday, December 5, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Also on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m., the family will hold a time of sharing at the funeral home—all are welcome. Ruby will lie in state at the church on Friday morning from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Schwager Family c/o Deborah Scherer. Please share your thoughts and memories with Ruby's family at the funeral home, church, or online at www.deislerfuneralhome.com.