Ruth Schilling – KWBG Radio

BOONE, Iowa—Ruth Ione Schilling, 81, of Boone, Iowa, and formerly of Casper, Wyoming, passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at her home. According to Ruth’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no services held.

Ruth was born and raised in Liberal, Kansas, on April 20, 1944, the daughter of Clayton and Ida (Wright) Sprague. Her childhood home was moved from Eva, Oklahoma, (which was named after Eva Wright) to Liberal, before she was born. Ruth graduated from Liberal High School. She went on to get her BA Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Colorado.

Ruth married Larry Don Mead April 1, 1962. They had four children Samuel “Sam”, Robin, Carmen “Ruby” and Jason Mead. The couple later divorced.

She taught in Portland, Oregon, for 2 years, Klamath Falls, Oregon, 1 year, substitute taught in Sedro Woolley, Washington, for some time before her and her family moved to Casper, Wyoming, where she taught 5th grade at Manor Heights Elementary School for 21 years. While teaching in Casper, Ruth was known as Ruth I. Largent.

Ruth enjoyed diligently participating in Al-Anon and sponsoring others for 30 years. During this time, she wrote a book entitled “Dare to Recover: Could be “A Hero’s Journey”. A memoir detailing her experience recovering from the trauma of loving an alcoholic, framing it as a personal quest where she confronts the cunning disease, finds strength, and transforms her world through a unique recovery path, offering hope and practical lessons for others facing alcoholism’s impact. She also enjoyed playing tennis, golfing, bowling, spoke some German, and was a talented violin and piano player. Ruth moved to Boone in 2017, to be closer to her daughters. Mom, you are valued, very much loved and will be truly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Ida Sprague; her brother, Dale Sprague and her sister, Faye Butler.

Ruth is survived by her children, Sam Mead of Boone, Robin (David) Wright of Boone, Carmen (Rod) Chitty of Hillsdale, WY, and Jason Mead of Washington State; twelve grandchildren, Donavan Ortega, Natasha (Erin O’Shea) Mead, Crystal (Dylan Abelf) Mead, Jaden Wright, Liam Wright, Aaron Wright, Deriek Chitty, Dominique Chitty, Austin (Stephanie) Chitty, Reese Chitty, Jerrica Mead and Elisea Lopez; and nine great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel, 1006 6th Street, Boone, IA 50036. Online condolences may be left to Ruth’s family at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com.