Ruth Gelbaugh

Ruth E. Gelbaugh, 89, of Warsaw, formerly of Rochester, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

Ruth Ellen was born on Feb. 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 and 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 Corp. and Midwestern United Life Insurance Co.

On May 21, 1955, Ruth was introduced to a handsome man by the name of Richard Gelbaugh, and they were married on Sept. 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 crossword. As a season ticket holder, Ruth loved to watch the Notre Dame girls basketball games. With her green thumb and her own greenhouse, she raised flowers and vegetable plants, including 100 tomato plants. Ruth enjoyed watching birds, and the cardinal was her favorite.

She is survived by her two sons, Jeffery (Joseph Comby), of Warsaw, and Michael (Linda), of North Webster; three granddaughters, Ashley Mullins, Arin Gelbaugh and Emily Gelbaugh; and three great-grandchildren, Tanner William Edward Mullins, Dominic Aiden Mullins and Audrey Lanae Mullins.

Preceding Ruth in death were her parents; husband; three sisters; one sister-in-law; and three brothers-in-law.

Friends may visit with Ruth’s family from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, March 19, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 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 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307.

Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at goodfamilyfh.com.