Ruth M. Schmatz

The beautiful Ruth M. Schmatz, 96, passed way peacefully Monday, January 5, 2026, at Scofield Care center in Kenmore, NY. She was born on December 9, 1929 to the late Benn and Christianna Wiggins, of Montour Falls, NY.

Ruth grew up watching her family, late brothers Robert (Hap) and Benn, along with late sister Helen Fitzgerald, work to excel, be kind and give to others. This legacy of hard work and the love of giving spanned each and every day of her life.

She earned a degree from Fredonia State University, focused on teaching young children and substitute teaching in the western NY school system, along with Frewsburg Central High School, for many, many years.

An avid teacher of quilting, Ruth began several quilting groups, taught classes passing her knowledge to others simply willing to listen to her grandchildren stories. Many of us now sleep under the warmth of quilts she made with love. Her warm hands and love of knitting is seen every Christmas morning in the Santa stockings we now hang with our families. Ruth, alongside some wonderful women, have sewn and donated over 1,000 prayer quilts to support others during times of crisis or grief. We will miss her touch.

Ruth was married to the late James B. Schmatz for 63 years. She was the loving mother of Helen (Tony) Warren, Jim (Lorraine) Schmatz, Ann (John) Burden, Tom (Linda) Schmatz, Mike (Shelly) Schmatz, Nancy and her late husband Bob Levett. Ruth’s legacy is now set with 15 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, which carry the same family values she instilled.

We will miss her deeply, but we were truly blessed to have her at our side, guiding us through our daily lives for so long. We now will celebrate her legacy as we visit together with friends and family, on Friday January 9, 2026, from 2pm-4pm at Ross Funeral Home of Akron, LLC.  A mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 10, 2025 at St Teresa of Avila R.C. Church, 5711 Buell Street, Akron NY at 10am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Ruth’s memory to St Jude or Hospice Buffalo.

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