Ruth Janice Rainer

Ruth Janice Rainer, 97, of West Chester, Pennsylvania passed away on December 14, 2022 after a short illness.  Beloved by family and friends around the world, Ruth left a lasting impact and will be deeply missed.

Born to George and Florence Holland in Upper Lehigh, Pennsylvania on October 28, 1925, Ruth attended a one-room schoolhouse through eighth grade and then went on to high school before earning her nursing degree from the University of Pennsylvania, where she met her first husband, Francis J. Rainer. They married in 1947 and had six children.  After their divorce in 1972, Ruth obtained degrees from the University of Delaware and the University of Hartford before beginning her career as a clinical psychologist, working as a front-line care provider and private therapist, often with vulnerable communities, which she continued well into her 90s.  Ruth married Dietmar Schmidtke in 1989.  They were married until his death in 1994.

Ruth had many passions, including travel, gardening, religion, swimming, taking classes, reading and writing, among others, all of which she actively pursued throughout her life.  She traveled to many different parts of the world, spending time in a number of countries, including Italy, Japan and India, touching many lives with her curiosity and love of learning, and building lasting friendships, particularly in Venice, which was her home away from home.  One major highlight was a trip around the world on the Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mary to celebrate her 80th birthday.  Ruth instilled her love of international travel in her family, taking her children and grandchildren on memorable trips and sharing travelogs that opened up her world experiences to loved ones. She was also a trusted confidante to many, always ready to discuss life’s big questions in a compassionate way, leaning on her faith and life experience to offer her views while keeping an open mind.

Ruth was preceded in death by her oldest son, Brad.  She is survived by her sister, Midge Dittbrenner, her remaining five children, Dick, Diane, Janice, Nancy and Doug, their spouses, ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

There will be a visitation with the family on Tuesday, January 3, in the chapel at St. Mary of Providence Center (227 Isabella Road, Elverson, PA 19520) beginning at 9:30am, followed by a memorial service at 11am.  After the service, family and friends will gather for a reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in her name to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (1040 Chestnut Tree Rd, Honey Brook, PA 19344), where she was an active and beloved member.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Ruth Janice Rainer, please visit our Tribute Store.