Joanne Ruth (Ruward) Zeugschmidt

Joanne Ruth Ruward Zeugschmidt passed away peacefully October 11, 2025 at the age of 98
leaving behind a legacy of resilience, faith, and devotion.

Born on January 14, 1927, in Ogden, Utah. Joanne was the youngest of nine children born to
Dutch immigrants Outger Ruward and Rinske Wagenmakers. She was the only one of her
siblings born in the United States of America.

As a toddler, Joanne battled polio—a challenge that left her physically disabled but never
touched her indomitable spirit. She did not let physical limitations define her. Joanne thrived
academically and began working as a bookkeeper in a drug store while still in high school. It was
there she met the love of her life, a young serviceman named Jerome "Jerry" Zeugschmidt.

The couple married on August 1, 1945, in Green River, Wyoming, and soon after made their way
west to San Diego, where they built a full and productive life. Together, they raised five
children—each of whom inherited their mother’s strong will and work ethic.

Joanne held various employment positions during her lifetime. She eventually retired as the
manager of Point Loma Federal Credit Union, where she worked for many years.

A master of the home arts, Joanne delighted in preparing delicious meals that were the
centerpiece of cherished gatherings. Her legendary Dutch red cabbage often filled her home
with a familiar delicious aroma. She was a skilled seamstress who fashioned beautiful hand
smocked clothing for her grandchildren and crocheted blankets that are now treasured heirlooms.
Joanne loved games and had a competitive spirit that often led to memorable matches played
with her friends and family. She found joy in music and had a passion for playing church hymns
on the piano.

A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joanne served faithfully in
many church callings. She loved directing music, singing in choirs, and especially enjoyed
participating in cantatas. She and Jerry served a church service mission at the Church
Employment Center in Mission Valley. Together they also served as temple workers in the San
Diego Temple for several years.

In her own personal history, Joanne wrote, “My family and their joys are what make my life
worth living. Our family is the most important part of our life.”

Joanne was preceded in death by her beloved Jerry in 2022, after nearly 77 years of marriage.
She is survived by their five children: Dennis Zeugschmidt (Patty) of Cary, NC; Paul
Zeugschmidt (Wendy) of Valley Center, CA; Gloria McWhirter (late husband, Reed) of Buckeye,
AZ; Rosalie Wulff (Jordan) of Chula Vista, CA; and Gary Zeugschmidt (Brian) of Point Loma,
CA. Her legacy includes 15 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild,
and her many nieces and nephews.

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