The Ruth Schaefer papers date from 1956 to 2002 and measure 2.1 linear feet. The papers are arranged in six series: biographical information, correspondence, University of Iowa, newspaper clippings, photographs, and artifacts.

The Biographical Information consists of Ruth Schaefer's obituary and newspaper clippings featuring Schaefer's work with refugees.

The Correspondence series (1956-2000) is comprised of letters and postcards written by her daughter Elizabeth (Schaefer) Childress, dated 1956-1965. Later correspondence, dated 1970-2000, is a collection of letters, cards, drawings, birth, graduation and wedding announcements, invitations, and photographs from friends of the Vietnamese community who fondly refer to her as Mrs. Ruth, Mother, and Grandma.

Schaefer's involvement in the local Asian refugee community of Iowa City is documented in the University of Iowa series (1987, 1989, undated). Included are the University of Iowa Vietnamese Student Association Directory and pin. Papers and poetry written by Vietnamese students Hoa and Binh Huynh are also included.

The Newspaper Clippings series is rich in information about the Southeast Asian refugee crisis of the 1980s. Articles include the plight of refugees awaiting sponsorship in camps throughout Asia, as well as the lives of recent immigrants to Iowa and their struggles and dreams upon reaching theUnited States.

The Photographs series consists of a portrait of Ruth Schaefer in 1968, numerous candid and posed images of Schaefer with Asian families, including some in which she is wearing the traditional Vietnamese Au Dai (Long Dress), and numerous school portraits of children, weddings, graduations, and birth announcements, many with messages written on the backs.

Three Artifacts make up the final series: the State of Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award, the Vietnamese Friendship Award of the Vietnamese Association of Cedar Rapids, and a wood mounted poem of thanks written by the Duong Families.