Ruth A. Buckles, 66, Cromwell, passed away Saturday, March 18, 2017, at home. She was born on July 21, 1950 to Herman & Joyce (Ginther) Gongaware in Fort Wayne. She married Sam Buckles on Feb. 14, 1969 in Ormas.
Ruth worked for West Noble School Corporation for 31 years in the library. Mrs. Buckles loved her students and her students loved her. She also taught senior fitness classes in Merriam and Ligonier. Ruth was the face behind the Bayou Billy Soda Wagon and the King Korn products, traveling to many events throughout the year. Ruth truly enjoyed her time working the stands and visiting with everyone. She loved attending her grandchildren’s events no matter how far away. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Ruth’s family was very important to her. Her family vacations with them were some of her favorite memories.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Sam of Cromwell; her children, Kraig (Cyndi Day) Buckles of Alabama, Jodie Blanchard of Wauseon, Ohio; Sarah (Greg) Cox of Westfield; her grandchildren, Jonah, Jacob, Josie, Jada, Meredith, David, Daniel, Ruthie; sisters, Rose Ann (Jim) Browning of Fort Myers, Fla.; and Sue (Dennis) Sorgenfrei of Tri Lakes. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Sindy James of Clarksville, TN; brother, Tommy Van Houten of Crooked Lake.
A funeral service in Ruth’s honor will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 21 at Merriam Christian Chapel, 3985 South US Highway 33, Albion, IN 46701. Pastor John French will officiate. Burial will take place at Buckles-Stringtown Cemetery.
A time of visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Monday, March 20 at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South; Ligonier, IN 46767. Memorial donations are to Merriam Christian Chapel Exercise Class.
Yeager Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.