Ruth Ann Schaffner

            Ruth Ann Schaffner, 83, of rural Fountain City, WI passed away on March 5, 2024 at Adith Miller Manor in Winona, MN surrounded by family.  Ruth was born on January 8, 1941, in Arcadia, WI to Melvin and Edna (Herold) Lorch. 

 Ruth graduated in 1958 from Fountain City High School.  They were the last class to graduate before the school became Cochrane-Fountain City High School.  Ruth was Miss Arcadia 1958. She attended UW-Stout receiving a degree in home economics, and later she earned her master’s degree in health and nutrition from UW-Stevens Point.   

Ruth married the love of her life, Bert Schaffner, on June 10, 1961. They were blessed with one son, Bill Schaffner. They enjoyed their family life on a hobby farm near Fountain City and would often see Ruth and Bert enjoying a motorcycle ride together with Ruth in her favorite place, right next to Bert in the sidecar. 

Ruth taught home economics at Cochrane-Fountain City Schools for 36 years and advised a very successful Future Homemakers organization.  She served as treasurer of the C-FC Education Association and the Buffalo County Retired Teachers.

Ruth was a treasured teacher and touched the lives of many students throughout her career. 

Ruth cherished time with family and friends and had many interests.  She was an excellent quilter, crafter, and seamstress.  Ruth was a member of the Garden Valley Homemakers, Burlington Quilters of Valor, and Valley Quilters.  Volunteering was one of her passions.  Ruth volunteered at Winona Health, Ye Old School Shoppe in Buffalo City, Farm Fest, and Cochrane-Fountain City Schools.  For many years she judged 4-H projects at the Buffalo and Trempealeau County Fairs.  Her love of traveling led her to Europe, the Dominican Republic, Haiti (mission trip), Niagara Falls, Boston, and many other destinations.  

Ruth is lovingly survived by her husband, Bert Schaffner; son, Bill (Lori) Schaffner; grandson, Sam Schaffner; sister, Kay Harris; sister-in-law, Luan Woychik; brother-in-law, Bruce (JoAnn) Schaffner; as well as numerous relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; sister-in-law, Charlotte Fernholz; and brothers-in-law, Willis Fernholz, Al Woychik, and Keith Harris.  

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be made to Scenic Valley Ambulance or Adith Miller Manor.

The family would like to thank the staff at Adith Miller Manor for their loving care of Ruth and Winona Hospice for their support and dedication.  

A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. John's United Church of Christ in Fountain City, with the Rev. Dr. Deborah Konkel, officiating.  A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 10 from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the Talbot Family Funeral Home, Alma Chapel and again at the church on Monday from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service.  Burial will be at Eagle Valley Cemetery.