Ruth Coleman Campbell Ritter Schmenner, a retired teacher and psychologist in the Baltimore public school system, died Thursday of cancer at her home in Timonium. She was 73.
She retired in 1981 from city schools after 10 years as a school psychologist. In 1965, she began teaching at Morrell Park Elementary School, where she was also supervisor of student teachers.
Mrs. Schmenner began her teaching career in 1946 at Arlington Elementary School, where she taught for 19 years.
She graduated from Forest Park High School in 1939 and earned her bachelor's degree in 1943 from Dickinson College and a master's degree in education from the Johns Hopkins University in 1953.
She was a member of the Senior Adult Council and blood donor program at Towson United Methodist Church.
Her first husband, John Campbell, an Army Air Forces officer, was killed during World War II. In 1953, she married Alfred Ritter, an emergency vehicle salesman, who died in 1983.
A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday at Towson United Methodist Church, 501 Hampton Lane.
She is survived by her husband of five years, Charles H. Schmenner Jr., a retired Bell Systems executive; two sons, John F. Campbell of Chicago and Alfred C. Ritter Sr. of Cockeysville; a brother, Samuel O. Coleman Jr. of Ellicott City; two stepsons, Richard Schmenner of New York City and Roger Schmenner of Indianapolis; three grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and several nieces and a nephew.
Memorial donations may be made to Union Memorial Hospital, c/o the Oncology Department, 201 E. University Parkway, Baltimore 21218; or to Towson United Methodist Church.