Ruth S. Neuenschwander (1922–2017)

Ruth S. Neuenschwander Ramseyer

17 Feb 1922 – 4 Jan 2017, born at Philadelphia, died at Smithville

Christopher’s grandmother · ancestor no. 7 · generation 3
Evidence: identity documented · link to parents documented

Family

• Parents: Andrew J. Neuenschwander (1888–1972) and Bessie Sprunger (1889–1964)
• Spouse: Alvin C. Ramseyer Jr. (1921–2008)
• Family notes: Alvin C. Ramseyer Jr. + Ruth S. Neuenschwander (m. 1945)

Life and evidence

Christopher’s maternal grandmother. Born in Philadelphia, where her father was pastor of First Mennonite Church (inferred from her birthplace), daughter of Rev. A. J. and Bessie (Sprunger) Neuenschwander. Graduated from Quakertown (Pa.) High School and Bluffton College (1943); taught home economics at Chester High School and Wooster High School. Died at home in Smithville; service and burial at Oak Grove.

Siblings: twin Robert Sprunger Neuenschwander (1922–1998, Dr. Robert S., West Covina, Calif.); Gordon E. (1927–1996, Wexford, Pa.); Elizabeth Ann (1918) and Andrew (1920), who died in infancy.

Where they lived

• 1922 — Philadelphia
• 1945 — Smithville

In their lifetime

• 1940 — 1940 MCC relief in Vichy France
• 1941 — 1941 Civilian Public Service begins

Pedigree

%%{init: {"flowchart": {"useMaxWidth": true}}}%%
flowchart RL
  n4459584["Jakob Reusser (1840–1916)"]
  n59576157["Ruth S. Neuenschwander (1922–2017)"]
  n96289189["Rosina Reusser (1862–1950)"]
  n90834356["Peter R. Sprunger (1825–1898)"]
  n46112496["Bessie Sprunger (1889–1964)"]
  n55158319["Andrew J. Neuenschwander (1888–1972)"]
  n55383694["Elizabeth Stauffer (1855–1919)"]
  n40303151["Christian Stauffer (1802–1892)"]
  n65809041["Verena Habegger (1822–1894)"]
  n11171442["Marianna Moser (1829–1894)"]
  n65348362["Christian P. Neuenschwander (1812–1884)"]
  n29539368["Anna Maria Lehman (1825–1886)"]
  n24803719["Christian C. Sprunger (1860–1940)"]
  n93744326["Jacob C. Neuenschwander (1848–1921)"]
  n41607612["Katherine Sprunger (1833–1904)"]
  n59576157 --> n55158319
  n55158319 --> n93744326
  n93744326 --> n65348362
  n93744326 --> n29539368
  n55158319 --> n55383694
  n55383694 --> n40303151
  n55383694 --> n65809041
  n59576157 --> n46112496
  n46112496 --> n24803719
  n24803719 --> n90834356
  n24803719 --> n11171442
  n46112496 --> n96289189
  n96289189 --> n4459584
  n96289189 --> n41607612
  class n4459584,n59576157,n96289189,n90834356,n46112496,n55158319,n55383694,n40303151,n65809041,n11171442,n65348362,n29539368,n24803719,n93744326,n41607612 internal-link;

Sources

• Find a Grave
• Bluffton bulletin (Ramseyer-Neuenschwander wedding)
• Sprunger Genealogy (1973)
• Obituary via Find a Grave 175189327

Narratives and research

• Stories: Double ancestors
• History: 1940 MCC relief in Vichy France, 1941 Civilian Public Service begins, Faith traditions
• Congregations: Oak Grove Mennonite Church
• Sources: Bluffton bulletin (Ramseyer-Neuenschwander wedding), Find a Grave, Sprunger Genealogy (1973)

Record compiled 31 October 2026.

About this research

Supporting documentation is linked throughout. This project is an exercise in AI-assisted research and development, and I haven’t manually verified every link or conclusion. All transcriptions and translations of Swiss parish records were made with AI, and their accuracy should be treated accordingly.