Dates

• Existence: 1909 - 2002

Biography

Pioneer, educator, advisor, volunteer, Ruth Schaefer was born in Colchester, Connecticut in 1909to Harriet and Arthur Stebbins. Schaefer attended Middlebury College in Vermont after which she taught in the Norwich, Connecticut, school system. Married to Charles Schaefer of New York City in 1935 the couple moved to Alaska three years later to live as pioneers until 1963. In Matanaska Valley, Alaska, Schaefer was an active educator, 1955-1963, and mother of four children, Elizabeth, Patricia, Helen, and Charles Schaefer. Schaefer later moved to Iowa City in 1963 and pursued a Masters of Arts degree at the University of Iowa. Upon graduating in 1967 Schaefer taught Latin at City High and West High School until 1976.

An active friend and advisor to members of the Vietnamese refugee community in Iowa City, Schaefer assisted families and students. She opened her home to provide living accommodations, assisted in the daily needs of immigrant families and tutored students. In response to her kindness and support numerous families welcomed Schaefer to share their family celebrations and maintained correspondence with her after moving away from Iowa City. She was honored for her work as the recipient of the State of Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award in 1984 and the Vietnamese Friendship Award of the Vietnamese Association of Cedar Rapids in 1987. Schaefer died at the age of 90, as a result of breast cancer.

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