Ruth Kidder (PaulsenSchoenstein)
November 29, 1947 - December 11, 2023
Ruth “Ruthie” Elizabeth Kidder (Paulsen-Schoenstein) of El Dorado Hills, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, December 11, 2023, at the age of 76. Ruthie was born November 29, 1947, the third of four Kidder daughters. She graduated from San Carlos High School in 1965. In 1967 she married Tom Paulsen and had two daughters, Tina and Tami whom they raised in S.F. bay area and later in Placerville, Calif. Motherhood was Ruthie’s greatest passion and success in her life. Ruthie began her business career at her father’s insurance company, KidderRobertson in San Carlos. 1993, Ruthie moved back to the bay area and began a career in Human Resources. She earned a certificate in Human Resource Management from U.C. Berkley. Ruthie worked at Sequoia Hospital Human Resource and later moved to management positions at Bay Area Bank, Greater Bay Bancorp and eventually, Satellite Dialysis Corporation.
Ruthie met and married her second husband, George Schoenstein, in 2004. She eventually left the corporate world to assist George in a startup physical therapy practice in Redwood City. For over 20 years, Ruthie grew the business and managed the staffing, billing, marketing and statistical analysis of a national worker selection testing network of 200 test administrators. Ruthie was known for her loyalty and friendly, efficient no nonsense work ethic.
Ruthie worked hand in hand with her husband creating a blues band, a blues jam and community blues festival for over 12 years. Upon her return to El Dorado County in 2014, she volunteered her time in local charities and with the El Dorado Hills Newcomer Club. Ruthie also enjoyed bowling, shopping, movies, crafts, playing cards with her many cherished friends, as well as spending time with her family and beloved four-legged friend, Teddy. Her vast network of loyal friends spans a large part of Northern California and beyond. Ruthie will be especially missed by her long time traveling friends of the El Dorado Hills area.
Ruthie is preceded in death by her parents Jean and Ray Kidder. She is survived by her daughters Tina Paulsen Shaw (husband Brian) of Brunswick, Georgia and Tami Paulsen Jilbert of Rescue, Calif.; four grandchildren, Haley Shaw Legrand and Kyle, Nick and Alexa; as well as 1.5 greatgrandchildren, Christopher LeGrand and baby Legrand due in April 2024. She is also survived by her sisters Raegene Castle (Jack) of Redwood City, Ca., Marilyn Nicksic ( Mike) of Eugene, Oregon and Kathy Beasley of Eagle, Idaho. Ruth leaves seven nieces and nephews and an even larger number of grandnieces and nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life is planned for January 27, 2024, at the Four Seasons Lodge in El Dorado Hills, 3186 Four Seasons Drive, El Dorado Hills, Calif. 95762, at 3 p.m.
A Catholic Requiem Mass will be held at Nativity Catholic Church, 210 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park, Calif. 94025, March 16, 2024 at 10 a.m. A reception celebrating Ruth’s life will follow at Highlands Community Club 1665 Fernside St. Redwood City, Calif. 94061.
The family would like to thank the compassionate and professional medical staff at Mercy Dignity Health Medical Hospital in Folsom, Ca. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent in Ruthie’s name to Dignity HealthMercy Medical Center of Folsom 1650 Creekside Dr. Folsom, Calif. 95630.
Ruthie left us with many stories, memories, laughter, love, tears and hugs. We celebrate a life well-lived and a person much loved.