Ruth was born in Chipley, Florida June 9, 1927, third daughter of Charles Henry and Doralie Cumbie Shumaker. After graduating from Chipley High School in the 1945 she married her late husband MSGT William “Bill” Fielding. They moved to New York City where they were stationed at West Point US Military base. In 1952 they adopted their late son Michael Fielding. After Michael’s adoption they spent a short time in New York city before World War II took them to Erlangen, Germany to Ferris Barracks US Military base.
In 1956, while in Germany they adopted their daughter Patricia “Patti” Peel. Ruth always said that Michael was their miracle and Patti was their blessing.
Shortly after the war, military life brought them back to the US where they spent a few years in Columbus, Georgia at Fort Benning Military base and built their first home. Ruth enjoyed their life in Georgia until Bill retired around 1964 and brought them back to Chipley where she resided for 62 years.
During Ruth’s time in Chipley, she worked many different bookkeeping jobs before retiring in the late 1980s from the Washington County Court House. Following retirement, Ruth enjoyed golf and gardening. Although unable to make attendance she was faithful to her Lord and Savior and continued her tithing to the First Baptist Church of Chipley.
She spent the last several years of her life with her beloved daughter Patti working puzzles and taking care of her animals. Whether it was cleaning the yards, watering plants, working crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, curling her hair or baking a cake, Patti Gail, as she would call her every so often, was there no matter what the need or ask. As her hands allowed, she crocheted an Afghan for each of her grand kids and great grandkids until she couldn’t complete them any longer. She spent many days sharing stories of her life with her oldest grandson Kevin making memories that he will treasure. Family was very important to her and she valued her time with them very dearly.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, son, sisters Naomi Shumaker Foust, Evelyn Shumaker Peoples and Peggy Shumaker Pettis, half-sisters Mona Shumaker Curtis and Annie Mae Shumaker, half brother Jack T. Shumaker, Homer A. Shumaker and several nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her daughter Patti Peel (Sheldon), Grandchildren Kevin Peel (Laurie), Joshua Peel (Amanda), Maria Showalter (Don), Nathan Fielding (Tenille) and Shawn Fielding. Great Grandchildren Harley Peel, Joseph Seaborn-Fielding, Kaelob Fielding, Elliott Fielding, Maddie Peel, Layla Showalter, Abbey Peel, Ellee Peel, Mason Showalter, Jaxon Peel, Ean Peel, Aiyson Peel, Auston Peel and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at Brown’s Funeral Home Chapel, March 10, 2025, with friends and family at 9am, service at 10am and lay to rest at Glenwood Cemetery.
