Ruth Schellberg was born July 22, 1912 in Omaha, Nebraska. She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she graduated in 1934 with a bachelor of science degree in education. Schellberg next graduated with a master of arts degree in 1937 from New York University, and she earned her Ph.D. in 1951 from New York University.

Schellberg began her twenty-five career as a faculty member at Mankato State Teachers College in 1946 as an assistant professor of physical education where she worked until 1948. She returned to MSU in 1952 as professor and chair of the department of physical education for women, where she stayed until her retirement in July 1974.

Prior to coming to MSU, Schellberg worked as an instructor in the Nebraska City public schools. She then taught at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis from 1937 to 1938. Later she was assistant professor of physical education at Macalaster College from September 1938 until May 1946. From 1949 to 1952, Schellebrg worked at the University of Nebraska as an associate professor of physical education.

At Mankato, Schellberg led canoe trips for students in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and well as camping trips in Europe. She taught courses in camp leadership, canoeing, and winter sports. The 1955 school year was the first year that the summer course titled “Caravan Camping” was offered and taught by Schellberg. The course was billed as a planning and participating in a wilderness canoe trip. Schellberg taught numerous other courses in physical education.

As part of her membership in the International Association of Physical Education and Sport for Girls and Women, Schellberg attended and presented at in such places as Israel, South Africa, Iran, and Argentina.

In 1991, the North Highland Arena at Mankato State University was renamed the Schellberg Gymnasium in honor of Ruth Schellberg’s work in the women’s physical education department.