Ruth Louise (Schwartz) Makins, 100 years old, passed away beautifully and peacefully with her rosary in her hands.
Until recently, she still enjoyed a good game of bridge, bingo and a nice social hour to continue her love for anything fun with her friends. Ruth’s life was full. Born in Naperville, Ill, her family home is still standing and a landmark as it was one of the very first homes in Naperville built by her Grandfather with money he secured during the California Gold Rush.
One of five sisters (Irene and Bee Schwartz, Kay Reuss, and Mary Buccini), Ruth was the last survivor of the Schwartz family. Her relatives joined others in the building of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the church bells were a gift from her family and still ring today!
Ruth attended college at St. Mary’s of Notre Dame in Indiana. While traveling home for a college weekend break in Chicago,she met her Don who was in Midshipmen School for Naval Officers. It was love at first sight for both of them. After a brief courtship, the bombing of Pearl Harbor and WWII escalating quickly their plans change rapidly. Don left for his ship in San Francisco and Ruth shortly followed with her older sister Mary as her chaperone. Ruth and Don married quickly and 3 days later Don left on his ship to the Pacific as WWII begun to rage on. After 4 years of war, Don finally returned and the two came back to Naperville to start their lives and family together.
They had 5 children in 7 years and Ruth loved everything about being a Mom. She made every birthday, Sacrament, graduation and Holiday special for each of her children. Her home was filled with love, relatives, and children everywhere. She was a gourmet cook on a budget, volunteer, avid bridge player, champion golfer and loved to entertain their multitude of friends and relatives.
Ruth will best be remembered to her devotion to the Catholic Faith. She instilled this faith in her children and grandchildren. It was her faith and power of prayer that made her so joyful and pulled people naturally to her.
She was always happy and smiling and ready for a good laugh.
Ruth leaves behind her children- Barbara Shives( husband – Wayne) of Tellico Village, Tn., Susie Kessler (husband – Bill)of Kennesaw, Ga., and Tom Makins (wife – Kim) of Boerne, Tx. She also leaves behind grandchildren -Quinn, Alison and Ian Makins, Lori Szabo, Katie Bligh, Donnie Kessler, Drake and Dana Harris and 10 great- grandchildren.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband Don, her daughter Julie Harris and son Don Makins, Jr.
Special mention is made to Norris Bond, the man she loved, cherished and made her so happy during their courtship of the last six years and then took such devoted and loving care of her until the end. Also, to Jennifer Krohn- Ruth’s guardian angel who transitioned Ruth from this life to eternity with an abundance of devotion and love.
As Ruth always said,” In the end, the only thing that really matters on this earth is Faith, Family and Love.”
A funeral Mass will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hendersonville Council on Aging or charity of your choice.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice or to: Jackson Funeral Service, 1101 Greenville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28792.