Ruth Sholtis passed peacefully into the presence of God on Tuesday, December 31, 2019. She was born on March 28, 1926 to Fred and Olive Swanson in Hayesville, NC. At six weeks old, her family moved to Ohio.

She attended a one-room schoolhouse until the 5th Grade and completed her middle school education at Bolivar Village School, Bolivar, OH. In 1944, Ruth graduated from Bolivar High School. After high school, she completed a 12-month secretarial program at the Canton Actual Business College, Canton, OH.

At the age of nine, she gave her heart to the Lord at a cottage prayer meeting. When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, her answer was “I want to be a preacher’s wife.” She did indeed and also became a missionary’s wife!

Ruth met Arthur Sholtis, the love of her life, in the spring of 1948. Most of their dates were attending revivals, singings, tent meetings, Sunday School and church.
On one Sunday afternoon, they were attending a citywide campaign in Canton, Ohio. The challenging message touched both of their hearts. Together they went to the altar; together they received the Call to Korea.

They were married on July 2, 1950 at Bethel Temple in Canton, Ohio. In 1958, Arthur and Ruth were appointed as full time missionaries to Korea. On Christmas Eve 1959, they and their two small children set sail from New York bound for Korea.

For 32 years, Arthur and Ruth served as missionaries to Korea. Ruth taught a number of classes at the Full Gospel Bible Institute in Seoul. During her last term in Korea, she was the managing editor of the Church Growth Magazine, a publication produced by the Yoido Full Gospel Church.

Her love of music came from the Sunday afternoon singings with family. She played the piano while her Dad played the violin or guitar and the other family members would sing in four-part harmony. Ruth got up each morning at 6:00 am to practice the piano. Anytime there was a request for a pianist, she stepped up to play if asked. This love of music has passed on to her family.

Ruth is known for her wonderful pumpkin and apple pies. A must have treat on every holiday. She loved to research the family genealogy and found that her family was related to Merriam Webster. She was an expert Scrabble player and loved to do crossword puzzles. Every Sunday she would do the Crossword Puzzle and the Word Jumble Puzzle in the newspaper.

In her retirement years, she loved to make quilts, crochet and read Louis L’Amour books. Ruth wrote many family books that included events and stories from her growing up days. Each Christmas each of her children received one of these precious books.

She would send a card for any occasion or just because. We came to love those precious notes that she would inscribe for us.

Ruth was a prayer warrior and prayed for her children and grandchildren each morning. She was our encourager, our confidant, family peacemaker, wonderful grandmother and Best Mom Ever!

She is survived by her husband, Arthur; daughter, Esther (David); sons, John (Judith); Arthur Jr. (Jennifer) and Philip (Gina); 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 am, with a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 am, Monday, January 13, 2020, Central Assembly of God Chapel, 1301 N. Boonville, Springfield, MO.

Interment will be at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Rd., Springfield, MO 65804.

Funeral arrangements by Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3506 N. National, Springfield, MO 65803.