Page 68 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2024 - Online Magazine

EXCEPTIONAL SENIORS

listening improves. She makes a visible
difference in any room.”

Among her many interests and hobbies,
reading has been a life-long love for
Velma Ruth. A story about her younger
years demonstrates her thirst for learning:
“Once her chores were done, this young
girl would grab a book and head for the
fields. She knew that she could read lying
there between the tall stalks of cotton—
undisturbed by adults or her older brother.”
She also has had a strong interest in quilting
(with great precision). She spends hours—
stitching prayer and love into each piece.
Velma Ruth has completed more than 75
Mrs. Shambeck with a few of the "once-a-year" retired principals
quilts—and has kept only one for herself.
grandchildren were in high school, Velma Ruth baked
casseroles and desserts (weeks in advance) so she could In addition, she coordinates a group of 36 retired
race home at noon to feed the grands (and their close elementary administrators. Two members of that
friends) before she scurried back to work. Her tireless group, Carroll Lockett and Joe Williams recently wrote,
effort and Christ-like example touched the lives of many ”Velma Ruth is one of those rare individuals in today’s
teens during a critical period in their development. world who has always insisted on ‘doing what’s right’;
she always exceeds expectation in every way.... Quite
Upon her retirement from public education in 1992, honestly, no matter what we write about her, it will
Dr. Shambeck became a teacher and a Core Group not be able to contain the whole of who she is—and
Leader in the (Lubbock Area) Community Bible Study the depth of her influence upon the lives of countless
organization, serving women of all faiths and ages. In others—students, teachers, staff, peers, parents, family,
addition, last year she taught an 11-week course on the and friends.”
book of Revelation for a group of 100+ women in her
place of worship, Southcrest Baptist Church. Velma Velma Ruth continues to be a leader and friend as she
Ruth has dedicated more than 30 years of her life to the models excellence in personal and community life. At
betterment of Texas public schools and has committed age 92, she is alert, active, authentic, and approachable—
an additional 30 years as she continues to lead and teach truly dedicated to her faith, her family, and her friends.
weekly. Bible study continues to be fueled by her
need for ongoing spiritual growth, as well as her
desire to be of service to others. Emily Lemley,
Teaching Director of CBS, has said of Velma Ruth’s
work, “She loves the tough parts of leadership.
She is also open about challenges she has faced in
widowhood; in leadership, church, and school; and
as part of a large family spanning three generations.
Her authenticity is central as she speaks to an
auditorium-full or a room-full. … When we see her
or hear her, we all stand straighter, we smile with signature chicken & bar
confidence, our thought processes clear, and our
806.368.3915 ■ 1636 13th Street, Lubbock, TX 79401 ■ www.dirkslbk.com

68 Lubbock Senior Link