Ruth Imogenee  Zent, 89, Nappanee, died at 6:45 a.m., Thursday, July 27, 2017 at Miller’s Merry Manor in Wakarusa, after a short illness.  She was born May 11, 1928 in Walkerton to Homer O. and Ethel (Hildebrand) Thornburg.

Ruth grew up in Plymouth. She was a 1947 graduate of West High School in Plymouth.  On Oct. 30, 1949, she married Dennis J. “DZ” Zent in Plymouth.  He preceded in death Oct. 27, 2016. Mr. and Mrs. Zent moved to Nappanee in the mid 50’s and had lived in their current home since 1965.  Ruth had worked in Plymouth at the Pickle Factory and Mac TV. In Nappanee, she retired from Mutschler Brothers in 1993 after working there for 28 years.  After retirement, she became a proud grandma. Ruth loved their family fishing trips to Spooner, WI.  She loved to iron, and crochet.  She had crocheted many afghans for gifts. Ruth loved to bowl and was a Nappanee City Tournament Champion with Shirley Weber. She was a wonderful mother and grandma, not only to her family but to her neighborhood and friends

Mrs. Zent is survived by her son, Dean (Keli) Zent, Nappanee, granddaughter, Samantha Zent, Lewis; four step grandsons, Jimmy, Johnny, Joe Spears, and James Oge; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, a son, Denny Zent; sister, Evelyn Eyrich, and  brothers, Gene and James Thornburg.

Family and friends may call from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 3 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.  Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4 at the Funeral Home.  Cremation will take place and inurnment will be in Plymouth Cemetery at a later date.