Mrs. Ruth E. Gelbaugh, 89, of Warsaw, formerly of Rochester, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
Ruth Ellen was born on February 6, 1935 in Royal Center, the third of four daughters born to George and Vera G. Brock Conn.
She attended schools in Royal Center, Deedsville, Churubusco and graduated proudly from Rochester High School with the Class of 1953. Continuing her education at the Fort Wayne International Business College, she earned an associate degree in accounting.
She worked for the Weatherhead Corporation and Midwestern United Life Insurance Company.
On May 21, 1955, Ruth was introduced to a handsome man by the name of Richard Gelbaugh, they were married on September 21, 1957 in the Tiosa Brethren Church. They shared 48 years of life’s adventures. Sadly, Dick passed away on May 23, 2005. From their union came two sons. Jeffery and Michael. After the boys were school age, mom went back to work at the Rochester Greenhouse where she had worked in high school. As a longtime dedicated employee, she was their grower of mums and carnations. In the spring, she looked forward to manning the garden plant stand. Being very active in the Republican Party of Fulton County she served on the Richland Township board for a few years. She was a member of the Sew and Sew Club and the 31 Club. As a member of the Talma United Methodist Church, she served on various boards including administrative head. She was also on the committee to plan her class reunions for many years. Dick and Ruth worked side by side with projects for the Talma Lions Club including the pancake and sausage dinners.
To relax, Ruth could often be found working puzzles, including jigsaw, word search and cross word. As a season ticket holder, Ruth loved to watch the Notre Dame girls basketball games. With her green thumb and her own green house, she raised flowers and vegetable plants, including 100 tomato plants. Ruth enjoyed watching birds, the cardinal was her favorite.
She is survived by her two sons, Jeffery (Joseph Comby) of Warsaw, Michael (Linda) of North Webster; three granddaughters, Ashley Mullins, Arin Gelbaugh Emily Gelbaugh and three great grandchildren, Tanner William Edward Mullins, Dominic Aiden Mullins and Audrey Lanae Mullins.
Preceding Ruth in death are her parents, husband and three sisters, one sister -in-law and three brothers-in-law.
Friends may visit with Ruth’s family from 11- 12 noon on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester.
Visitation will be followed by the celebration of life service. The Rev. Michael Beezley will officiate.
She will be laid to rest beside her husband, Dick in the Richland Center IOOF Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind through the Lions Club in care of Leader Dogs for the Blind, 1039 South Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills, MI 48307.
Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.good familyfh.com
