Ruthann Schoenleben

Nov 20, 1952 -

Dec 25, 2025

Ruthann Schoenleben passed away on Dec. 25, 2025, at the age of 73, surrounded by her family in her home after a battle with cancer. Ruthann was born on Nov. 20, 1952, in Faribault, Minn.

She married Marlan Schoenleben on April 3, 1971. She received a

bachelor's degree in ministerial leadership from Trinity College and was an ordained minister for almost 50 years. Ruth and Marlan moved to Yakutat, Alaska, in 1973 and were missionaries there for 15 years. During their time in Yakutat, they had two children, Joy and Brad.

Ruth and her family moved to Anchorage, to further their ministry. Over the years, she pastored at Calvary Temple, co-pastored at Peace Assembly of God and started a church with her husband called Joy Christian Center and ministered there for 16 years.

Ruth worked at Nine Star Enterprises for 33 years. She served in many roles and became the President and CEO of the company. She wholeheartedly believed in Nine Star and was passionate about their mission. She loved her staff and the people in the community that she worked with.

Her greatest passion was for people to know Christ as their personal Savior. The Spirit of God reflected in her daily walk as she lived a life of grace and compassion. She radiated love and kindness, uplifting others with the light of Jesus Christ shining through her heart.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Stewart and Viola Dale; brother, David Dale; and son-in-law, Jason Collins. Survived by her husband of 54 years, Rev. Marlan Schoenleben; daughter, Joy Collins Steiding (Richard); son, Bradley Schoenleben (Meghan); grandchildren, McKenna Collins-Steiding, Nathan and Ryan Whitmore and Grant, Beau and Elle Schoenleben; and siblings, Rev. Luther Dale (Berta) and Eunice Dale.

A memorial service will be held on Jan. 10, 2026, at 1 p.m., at First Assembly of God, 1540 C Street in Anchorage.

In spite of the immense grief in our hearts, we can only imagine the joy that Ruth is experiencing being with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.