Ruth M. Schrom

October 14, 1917 - January 26, 2022

Ruth M. Schrom died peacefully on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at her home in Wenger House at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community in Harrisonburg, VA after an incredible 104 year run of life. Ruth (or Ruthie, as she was often called by friends and family) was adored by all who knew her. When asked about her uncommon longevity, she would generally say “I’m just very blessed” or “I’m a very lucky lady.” That may be true. But truth be told, so were her family and countless friends who enjoyed her company and witnessed an example of a life truly well lived. Ruth was born in Aitch, PA (near Huntingdon, PA) on October 14, 1917, the only daughter of Jesse and Maggie Rodgers. She had 1 older brother (Lee) and 2 younger brothers (Donald and William Bruce). Her family had very little during those days of the Depression, but her memories of those “tough times” were always framed as “they just made us better appreciate what we had” and “friends and family were what was really important.” She graduated from Huntingdon High School in 1935 and almost immediately enrolled in Thompson Business School in York, PA. That step was financed largely by a $50 loan from an uncle, and she took great pride that she paid that back through her earliest wages from her first job in York. Those first jobs ultimately led to a career with R.O. Haas Insurance Agency from which she retired in 1992. Several years after moving to York in 1935, she met Philip L. Schrom who became the love of her life. They married in June 1941 while he was in the Army. He spent over 3 years in Europe during World War II. Until the day she died, Ruth said this 3+ year period was her biggest challenge in life. That challenge, however, was eased by the birth of their first son, Philip R. Schrom, in August 1942. During the war, she and her young son lived with her in laws (Becky and Stu Schrom) on Carlisle Avenue in York. Over ensuing years, she frequently expressed her appreciation for their love and support during those trying times. After Phil returned from the War, they had two more sons (James in 1946 and Stephen in 1949) and set up housekeeping at 1410 First Avenue, where she was to live for 68 years. “1410” became the center of extended family activities during that entire time. Among other things, she planned and hosted an annual Christmas party well into her 90s for family and friends. It is safe to say that no one who ever attended would ever forget the experience. The level of activity was dizzying …… including wearing funny hats, playing games, exchanging gag gifts, singing Christmas carols, enjoying magic shows (performed by a willing and talented grandson), and more. This activity continued even after her husband Phil’s passing from cancer in 1989, which she understandably called her next great challenge. She was determined to “keep on living” and not let the grieving process undermine her indefatigable positivity and sunny disposition. At the age of 72, she began to volunteer in the Chaplain’s Office at York Hospital as well as at the American Red Cross and continued to volunteer at both well into her 90s. This earned her special recognition from both organizations. She also continued her dedicated volunteer service to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, where she had been a member since her arrival in York in 1935. After her husband’s death, she continued to travel extensively with trips to The Holy Land with St. Matthew’s and vacations with her sons and daughters in law, including a trip to Hawaii and numerous cruises to such places as the Panama Canal, Alaska, and Norway. Because she and Phil had loved dancing at the Dutch Club and Cotillion Club, as well as walking and biking together, she continued those types of activities by joining a Line Dancing Club and the Mallwalkers Club. Her ability to connect effortlessly with all manner of people, despite their backgrounds, despite their ages, despite their appearances, and despite their personalities was astounding. She made friends instantly everywhere she went. In the words of a family member, “Ruthie collects friends.” High praise indeed and absolutely true. One particularly good story is that she wandered into a “Friends of Bill” meeting on one of our cruises, not knowing it was actually an AA group. She was simply looking for social activity, and the group welcomed her with open arms. Despite never having swung a club, she also developed a fascination with golf, particularly after Tiger Woods made his PGA debut in 1996. She probably watched more golf on TV than any other non-playing person over the past 25 years! Finally, this tribute would be remiss if it did not highlight the relationship that Ruth had with St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Since joining there in 1935, she and Phil were at the center of most Church activities, be they serving on Church Council, teaching kindergarten, cooking and serving at Church functions, or enjoying the Young Adults Club while their 3 boys were growing up. Her faith was a deep well and was at the core of her soul. She wore her faith very well with nary a judgmental bone in her body. She is truly an inspiration for us all. Ruth was predeceased by her parents (Jesse and Maggie Rodgers), her husband (Philip L. Schrom), her oldest son (Philip R. Schrom); and her 3 brothers (Lee, Donald, and William Bruce Rodgers). She is survived by her 2 younger sons, Jim Schrom (Jenny) of Harrisonburg, VA and Steve Schrom (Chris) of Glenshaw, PA. She is also survived by her 7 grandchildren: Tiffy Keith (Kevin); Jenny McDonough (Sean); Miles Schrom (Meghan); Christy Cassagnol Norment (Peter); Brian Cassagnol; Andy Schrom (Jenn); and Dan Schrom (Karyn). She is also survived by 9 great grandchildren: Heather Sterner (Brian); Brooke Jackson (Jordan); Sean McDonough; Elliot Norment; Jonas Norment; Emersen Schrom; Drew Schrom; Kanyon Schrom; and Dylan Schrom. And, one of her final pleasures in life was just recently meeting her first great great grandchild, Everett Sterner, who was fittingly born on her 104th birthday on October 14, 2021. Over the years, when a family member and Ruthie said “I love you” to each other, she would often add “It works so well!” Yes, it did ……….. and it always will. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 7, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 West Market Street, York. Burial will be in Mount Rose Cemetery next to her beloved husband and other members of the Schrom family. In lieu of flowers, St. Matthew Lutheran Church (839 West Market St; York, PA 17401) and the American Red Cross (5410 Mt Pisgah Rd; Yorkana, PA 17406) would welcome memorial contributions. One final thought …….. we very much regret limiting the funeral service to immediate family but feel it is the responsible thing to do. Please know that our entire family sincerely appreciates the friendship and fellowship so many of you showed to and shared with Ruth during her many years of life. From our perspective, that is far more important than simply participating in a final farewell. A great example of this was the 100+ cards and 60+ video tributes you sent for her 100th Birthday celebration we had in October 2017. It is hard to exaggerate how much pleasure she and the entire family derived from those tributes ……….. to the point that we showed her those videos multiple times over the past 4 years, and she and we enjoyed them every single time! Thanks again to all of you for helping her to enjoy ALL 104 years! Arrangements by the Etzweiler Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, 1111 East Market Street, York, PA 17403.