Ruth Ida Schlenker, 85, Rapid City and formerly of Sturgis, died Saturday, January 9, 2010, at the Rapid City Regional Hospice House.

Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Pastor Denzel Nonhof officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.

Ruth was born October 10, 1924, at Drake, ND, to Christ and Otillia (Paul) Hinsz. She attended school and lived with her parents on the family farm until the age of 18. She then went to work as a hired girl in the McLaughlin, SD, area.

She married Reuben Schlenker on October 10, 1943. They lived in McLaughlin until 1961 when they moved to Belle Fourche. They lived in Belle Fourche until 1968 when they moved to Sturgis, SD.

Ruth worked many years in the restaurant business and in the housekeeping departments of several hospitals.

Reuben and Ruth ran the Chat N Chew café from 1974 until 1981 in Sturgis.

Survivors include her two sons; Larry J. (Char) Schlenker, Belton, TX, Rollie D. (Becky) Schlenker, Gillette, WY; four daughters, Vivian K. Sanders, Fargo, ND, Shirley M. Schlenker, Aurora, NE, Kathy R. (Ed) Bulau, Vale, SD, Jane (Jerald) Maine, Box Elder, SD; also 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reuben, infant daughter, Judy, grandson, Patrick, six brothers and one sister.