Ruth S. Heeter

Ruth Spear Heeter, 99, of Mishawaka, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 7, 2013, at Wood Ridge Assisted Living, South Bend.

Ruth was born November 1, 1913 in Cambridge, Ohio to the late Robert Lee and Doris (McCullough) Spear.

She married Russell Heeter in 1936 at First Presbyterian Church, Mishawaka. Ruth was a lifelong member of the church. Russell preceded her in death in 1979. She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Marjorie (Edward) Carpenter, Mildred (Mel) Webster and Dorothy (Graham) Cousins, and her brother, Robert Spear, Jr.

Ruth is survived by a sister, Jacqueline Spear (James) Lang of Leland, Michigan; a sister-in-law, Mary Lou (Robert) Spear Walsh of Mishawaka; several nieces and nephews, Tom (Linda) Carpenter, caregivers Jim (Cheryl) Carpenter, Rod (Patricia) Spear, Ted Spear, Louann (Gary) Taelman, Kathleen (Doug) Morr, Andrew (Karen) Lang, Patricia Cousins, Graham Cousins, Michael Cousins, Mel Webster, Pamela Turner and Jill Webster.

Ruth was secretary to Principal Russell Meyers at Mishawaka High School for 25 years. She was an administrative assistant in school systems in Kansas City, Missouri, Denver, Colorado, and President of the Teachers Association in San Mateo, California for 3 years. She received a degree in Business Administration from the University of California in San Francisco.

Ruth and Russell lived in Arizona for several years upon retirement. She had many interests and passions. She was an active member of Sigma Phi Gamma Sorority for many years. She loved to travel, garden, play bridge, write and memorize poetry, cooking and antiquing. She will be lovingly remembered for her exuberant personality, love for children and telling great stories.

Ruth loved and cherished her large family which was a quality that endeared her to them.

Ruth’s family is indebted to the staff at Wood Ridge Assisted Living and the Center for Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion.

A private family memorial service will be held later at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger.

Memorials are suggested to the Center for Hospice Care, 4220 Edison Lake Pkwy. Suite 210, Mishawaka, IN 46545-1440.

Arrangements are in the care of Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, Mishawaka.