Lauraine Ruth Lahti

a resident of Newport Coast, California, born on February 4, 1931 as Lauraine Ruth Schamber in Henry, Nebraska, passed away on May 4, 2007 in her home from metastatic breast cancer.

Ruth spent her youth in Riverton, Wyoming, a thriving ranching community. She was known for her high scholastic standing, discipline, and vitality. She attended Morton grade school and high school in Kinnear, Wyoming. She was valedictorian of her graduating high school class and was awarded an Honor Scholarship to the University of Wyoming, where she earned her degree in Business Education. She went on to pursue post-graduate work in the same field.

In her career, she taught business courses at the high school and college level, served on the staff of a U.S. Senator in Washington D.C., and helped her husband, Bob, run a family business. She managed accounting office operations at the University of Texas and retired in 1996 after 11 years of service.

In addition to her work, she was actively involved in the betterment of the community. She served as the Secretary and Treasurer for the Wyoming Teacher’s Association, as a member of the American Association of University Women in Michigan, and as the Director and First Vice-President for the Board of Directors of a hospital auxiliary in the suburbs of Chicago. She conducted fundraising for charity and community causes and held civic events in support of Bob’s position as the President of colleges in Michigan, Chicago and Denver. Despite her busy schedule, she always found time to volunteer at her children’s schools as Room Mom, Art Teacher or Music Teacher to share her love of art, music, and nature.

Ruth or Ruthie, as she was known by family and friends, was a compassionate person who possessed strong spiritual convictions and integrity. She strived to do what she believed was right. Ruth was a devoted wife of 46 years to Bob and the most giving mother children could have. She was a caring supporter, an unassuming pillar of strength, and the creator of “homes” from houses.

Her first concern was to ensure that her family was happy and safe even if it meant making personal sacrifices. Psalm 23 was a favorite Bible passage that she believed, especially verse 1: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Ruth was concerned that fewer people in the world seemed to share this perspective.

Ruth is survived by her three children, Renée, Randy and Ryan, and her sister Dorothy. She was preceded in death by Bob on November 20, 2006. Words are not enough to express how much Ruth, as a devoted Mom and friend, will be missed by her family. There is comfort in knowing that she will be with Bob to share their 47th wedding anniversary on June 5th. Cherished memories of her and her caring nature will always be with us.

A Memorial Service for Ruth will be held on June 1, 2007 at the Pacific View Chapel at Pacific View Memorial Park, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, CA 92625 with Pastor James Birchfield of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment will be in the Pacific View Memorial Park. Flowers in honor of Ruth may be sent to the Pacific View Chapel or contributions in memory of Ruth may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure.