Ruth Manhardt

BOURBON – It is with sadness that the family of Ruth Manhardt announced her passing. She passed peacefully on April 4, 2024, at Grace Village in Winona Lake.
Ruth was known as Mom, Grandma, Gramma, Gram, Ruffers, Ruthie and GiGi depending on which part of the country her family was from. She wore those endearing names well and truly loved her family. At Grace Village she was known by some as "The Cookie Monster" as she had a voracious sweet tooth in her latter years.
In her working years, Ruth served the public as a food server and grocery deli clerk.
Her interests were reading and knitting until she could no longer do either activity at the age of 97.
Ruthie was full of feistiness and was fun-loving up until her last few days. She had a generous spirit.
Ruth has lived in the Buffalo and Arcade, N.Y., area, Spartanburg, S.C., and Bourbon, Ind.
She was born to Edward and Doris Brown Valentine on Aug. 24, 1924. She married Ray Manhardt on Aug. 9, 1943. Together they had five children.
Ruth has gone on before her daughters: Debbie Cassady of Castile, N.Y.; Sue Thomas and Kim Mead, of Spartanburg, S.C.; and daughter-in-law, Wanda Manhardt, of Bourbon. Both of her sons, Butch Manhardt of Spartanburg, S.C.; and Larry Manhardt, of Bourbon; left this Earth before her. Also passing before her was a great-grandson, Nicholas.
When coming to Indiana, Ruth gained bonus family members from her daughter-in-law's family.
Many memories of Ruth will bring a smile to the faces of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and stories will be told to her great-great-grandchildren. Ruth was loved deeply.
Per Ruth's request there will be no visitation. Private family gatherings will be held in New York, South Carolina and Indiana.
Ruth’s family wish to thank Grace Village Staff for being her “home away from home” family and Transitions Hospice for their attentive care.
Thank you to all our friends and community for your support during this difficult time.
Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home is honored to be providing services in celebrating the life of Ruth and wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family.
Friends are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at www.deatonclemensfh.com.