Ruth Villier passed away on January 16, 2026, less than one month after her 94th birthday. She was the last surviving member of her generation in our family.

Margaret Ruth Neathery Schieberl Villier was born on December 25, 1931, in Sulphur, Oklahoma, to Bert Elmer Neathery and Frances Bertie “Tommy” Garrison Neathery. A few years later, they welcomed their son, Robert Lee “Bobby” Neathery.

In the early 1940s, the Neathery family moved from Oklahoma to California in search of a better life, settling in Santa Rosa. It was there, at just 16 years old, that Ruth met the handsome Ed Schieberl. They were married on December 4, 1949.

While Ed served on the front lines during the Korean War, Ruth remained in San Leandro, California, caring for their three young children—Ted, Jan, and Mike. In 1956, Ed followed his oldest brother to Humboldt County to work for the Al Nicholson Scale Company, and Ruth faithfully joined him as they began a new chapter together.

With true pioneer spirit, Mom and Dad built their first home on Greenwood Heights in the mid-1950s. A few years later, with Margie and Lucie added to the family, they built their final home on Myrtle Avenue in Eureka. During this time, Ruth cared for the household while also managing the bookkeeping—and occasionally running heavy equipment—for their newly formed business, Green Bay Scale Company. She continued this work until 1981.

Ruth was deeply involved in her children’s education. She volunteered regularly at Freshwater School as a classroom aide, brought snacks, helped teachers, and supported students in countless ways. Even after her own children moved on, she continued volunteering—first in kindergarten classrooms and later as an associate librarian. She was entrusted with some of the school’s first personal computers, which she took home, taught herself to use, and then taught others. At home, she discovered a fondness for Solitaire, which became a bit addictive. She also helped run voting booths during official elections and, alongside Ed, belonged to local horseshoe-pitching and square-dancing clubs. Mom loved to dance.

Ruth had a lifelong love for dogs, especially poodles and German Shepherds. She had many over the years, but two held special places in her heart. After Ed passed away in 1987, her German Shepherd Baron became her lifeline—getting her out of bed each morning and helping her through deep grief. Later, she welcomed a teacup poodle named Harley, who was rarely far from her side. They adored each other.

Ruth’s parents were deaf, and she served as their lifelongRuth Villier interpreter and liaison to the hearing world. She learned to speak by listening to the radio. In the 1960s and 1970s, she was a founding member of the H.I.G.H. Club (Hearing Impaired of Greater Humboldt) and was always available to assist the deaf community. She served as an on-call interpreter for courts and hospitals and taught American Sign Language courses at College of the Redwoods. She accomplished all of this without formal higher education—only grit, compassion, and life experience.In the early 1980s, Ruth traveled with her father, Bert Neathery, to Greece and Germany to attend the Oberammergau Passion Play, a once-in-a-lifetime experience she treasured.

After losing the love of her life in 1987, Ruth met life’s challenges with strength, poise, and dignity. She continued working at Freshwater School as paid staff and later found great joy when her grandchildren attended the school and she was able to see them daily.

In the early 1990s, Ruth met Vern Villier at a singles dance. They married, she sold the family home on Myrtle Avenue, retired from the school, and began a new chapter. Together, they stayed active volunteering at the Arcata Police Department, participating in the Model A Club and the Moose Lodge, and attending many social outings. Ruth especially loved dressing in period costumes for dances.

Many in the McKinleyville area knew Ruth and Vern through Ben Hurd’s Tree Farm, where they baked enormous quantities of cookies and often worked behind the cash register during the busy weeks before Christmas.

Ruth’s greatest love was her family. She is survived by her five children: Ted, Jan, Mike, Margie, and Lucie.

  • Ted (Alice): Kevin and Sarah, and two great-grandchildren​
  • Jan: Lorraine, Olivia, and Clint, and two great-grandchildren​
  • Mike (Karen): Clarissa, Lilly, and Rachel​
  • Margie (Dave, deceased): Maricica and Timothy, and two great-grandchildren
  • Lucie (Randy): Kathryn, Bethany, Leslie, Alex, Roger, Juliana, and Deborah, and 22 great-grandchildren​

In total, Ruth leaves behind 17 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren—so far.

Whenever we spoke with Mom, she always wanted to know how her family was doing. She lovingly called us “her many blessings.” “She called us her blessings, but she was ours.

In every act of kindness, every quiet sacrifice,​ every moment she chose love, she shaped who we are. Though we say goodbye today, we carry her with us—​ in our hands, our hearts, and in the family she built so well. To be loved by her was one of life’s greatest gifts.

A memorial service for Ruth will be held on January 31st 2026 in Arcata, CA. To RSVP for catering purposes and location details, please email: ruthschieberlvillier@gmail.com

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Ruth Villier’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.