Tuesday, September 3rd, 2013
Ruth Bollenbacher
Ruth J. Bollenbacher, 88, passed away early on Sept. 2, 2013, at the Laurels of Shane Hill. She was born March 3, 1925, in Coldwater, to Albert and Golda Grier Hassan.
She married Jerome Bollenbacher on Jan. 18, 1947, and he survives.
Other survivors are four daughters, Kathy (Dave) Taylor, Rockford; Lois (Jerry) Cox, Spencerville, Cinda (Doug) Pontsler of Monclova and Peg (Dave) Painter of Pittsburg; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer (Jason) Dietsch, Nikki (Mike) Etzler, Kristi (Roger) Voisard, Matthew Taylor, Timothy (Natalie) Cox, Jared (Jamie) Cox, Andrea Pontsler, Ryan (Sarah) Pontsler, Aaron Pontsler, Abby (Grant) Burgess and Cora Painter; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul and Russell Hassan.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved her family dearly. She enjoyed sewing, gardening and crafting. She will be remembered as a fantastic cook. She graduated from Celina High School in 1944 and was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Rockford, where she was a member of the women's fellowship. Throughout her life she served as a 4-H advisor and belonged to the Tri-Township Neighbors Local Farm Bureau Council.
Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, the Rev. Jerry A. Flueckiger officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul's UCC Cemetery.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. Thursday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, and one hour prior to the service Friday at the church.
Memorials may be given to St. Paul's United Church of Christ or Hospice of Community Health Professionals, Celina.
Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com.
