Page 66 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2024 - Online Magazine

Exceptional

SENIORS

The Exceptional

and Exemplary

Velma Ruth Shambeck

by June Hogue
Velma Ruth and June Hogue

elma Ruth Shambeck is a woman
who exemplifies excellence in her life
Vand in her work. She is a woman of impeccable
character, a tireless worker, a fearless defender of
family, and a woman of unshakable faith. Velma Ruth
was born on December 21, 1931, and grew up on a
farm near Tahoka, TX. She and her husband (Bill)
became parents of two wonderful daughters, Debbie
Shambeck West and Brenda Shambeck Ellis. Now eight
grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren also enrich
her life daily.

Early in life, Velma Ruth became a teacher in the Texas
Panhandle. In 1961, the family moved to Lubbock, and
she was hired first as a teacher— and later chosen to Velma Ruth and her girls
be an LISD “Demonstration Teacher” (1967) to work
with new or struggling teachers. She served as the
first Murfee Elementary principal (1968) and then
became an Assistant Superintendent for Elementary
Schools (1983), a role she held until her retirement
in 1992. Carolyn Solomon noted, “I was fortunate to
be one of 42 elementary principals supervised by Dr.
Shambeck. She guided our steps while she developed
our strengths, and she modeled what it meant to be an
instructional leader on our campuses.

Dr. Shambeck’s work ethic, people skills, and creative
thinking abilities have provided an example for
those whom she supervised in Lubbock ISD. She
exemplified optimism and problem-solving skills which The annual Christmas gathering of retired elementary
encouraged all who worked with her. At a time when administrators In the Shambeck home

66 Lubbock Senior Link