Ruth Esther King, 62, went to be with JesusSaturday evening, October 5, 2019, in IU Blackford Hospital, Hartford City. She was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, on August 21, 1957, the daughter of the late E. Furman and Doris (Riker) King.
Ruth graduated from Cranford High School, Cranford, New Jersey and continued her education at The Kings College and Kane Community College, earning her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. She later earned her Masters Degree from Seton Hall University. She taught 5th and 6th grades at Cranford Public Schools for 30 years.
After her retirement, she moved to Upland and became very active in the community. Upland quickly felt like home. She was a member of the Upland Community Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir, attending Food for Thought Ladies Bible Study, helping in the church office, (formerly) volunteering with Kids Hope and the childrens musicals. She enjoyed working with the Eastbrook High School Drama Department and attending Morning Glories on Monday mornings.
Survivors include two sisters: Carol (Gary) Patterson and Dottie (Gary) Froeschl, both of Waynesville, Ohio; a brother: Paul (Jan) King, Upland; seven nieces and nephews; 19 great nieces and nephews; her beloved shih tzus: Tootsi and Darbi; and many, many dear friends near and far.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jones-Smith chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home Cremation Services, 259 N. Main St., Upland, Indiana, where a visitation will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2019 from 4-8 pm. The funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Friday, October 11, 2019 at Upland Community Church, 439 W. Berry Ave, with an hour visitation prior to the service. Burial will follow in Jefferson Cemetery, Upland.
Contributions in memory of Ruth may be made to the Lift Eastbrook Afterschool c/o Upland Community Church.
Tributes
Dane Lowrie wrote on Dec 18, 2019:
"I knew Ruth in the 1980s when I attended the Cranford Alliance Church. What a great person I am shocked to learn of her passing. She always had a great smile, and was a wonderful friend, but wouldn't put up with my nonsense! Sad she's gone, but glad she's with Jesus."
Carol Berns wrote on Oct 11, 2019:
"Sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. She taught both of our sons at Brookside School in Cranford, NJ. She was a great teacher and will be missed. "
Expression of Sympathy wrote on Oct 10, 2019:
"A GARDEN PATH was ordered on October 10, 2019"
Helen Rhodes wrote on Oct 10, 2019:
"Sincerest sympathies. Sorry to hear of Ms. King's passing.Rich, Helen and Josie Rhodes (across the street neighbors)"
Donna Laurie wrote on Oct 9, 2019:
"My sincere condolences to Ruth's extended family. "Ruthie" and I grew up together at Cranford Alliance...so many great memories of our early years in Sunday School and Youth Group."
Kevin Catarino wrote on Oct 9, 2019:
"Probably my favorite grade school teacher. I'll always remember you "
Donna Blackburn wrote on Oct 9, 2019:
"Our sincere condolences and love to the family. We are so sorry to here about this difficult loss. Our prayers are with her family - friends and all who knew her in Cranford and her recent communities. God give you strength and comfort at this time. We know she is constantly singing and praising our Lord now!"
Krista Szark wrote on Oct 9, 2019:
"Ms.King was a wonderful teacher and will be missed terribly"
Expression of Sympathy wrote on Oct 9, 2019:
"A TROPICAL DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was sent on October 9, 2019May the Lord comfort you in this time of loss. Dr. Beth Davis, Terry Davis, and the staff at Southway Animal Hospital"
Jennifer (Lowrey)Gottlick wrote on Oct 8, 2019:
"Such a loss for those still here. We loved " Aunt Ruffi", as our family called her. She was always a part of our lives. Great memories with her. Lots of laughs. She helped me decorate for my wedding, we watched "the Amazing Race" finalies together and cheered for the Mets. We missed her greatly when she moved away but knew she wanted to be closer to her family. We rejoice in knowing she is with her Savior...singing, no doubt ;) But she will be missed here. Praying for all her family and friends."
Bob Behrens wrote on Oct 8, 2019:
"Ruth and I met in choir, sang together for four years. Shared the love of music and singing,as well as friendship. A sweet soul, gone way too soon"
The Cohen Family wrote on Oct 8, 2019:
"Ruth was a special teacher to our two boys and a lovely friend to us even when she moved away from Cranford . We are so sorry to hear of her passing and want to express our sincere sympathies to her family who she spoke about of so fondly all the time . We will always remember her and her beautiful smile . The Cohen Family"
Karen Aller wrote on Oct 8, 2019:
"So very sad to see this. Ruth was a ray of sunshine. I have many fond memories of her from Cranford Alliance. Her voice is a wonderful addition to Gods choir."
Bob Segear wrote on Oct 8, 2019:
"Ruth was a wonderful person. We grew up together Benjamin St and Marsh St. When I became a Cranford Police Officer, I was fortunate to go into her classroom and teach her 5th-grade students DARE. Ruth made a positive difference in the lives of many. God Bless.Bob Segear"
Gene and Liz wrote on Oct 8, 2019:
"Carol, so sorry to hear of your sister's passing. Liz and Gene"
Tracey & Jerry Paradiso wrote on Oct 8, 2019:
"Both of our children were blessed to have Miss King as their fifth grade teacher. Miss King's organization, high standards, inspiration, community building ("Fuzzies!"), and humor made her one of our favorite teachers. We are glad to hear that she so thoroughly enjoyed her retirement; that said we are so very sorry to learn of her passing, and extend prayers and comfort to her nearest and dearest during this difficult time. - Jerry & Tracey Paradiso"
Matt Milam wrote on Oct 8, 2019:
"Sorry to hear of the passing of Ruth. She was on our 1985 Perimeter Trip with Wandering Wheels. She made great food and made our bike trip a great experience. We have had a few perimeter reunions at the Wheels Kitchen and was always glad to spend time with her at our five year reunions."
Juli Hutson wrote on Oct 8, 2019:
"I will never forget how much she loved it when Dad came on the perimeter trip and she could tool around in his truck. We both thought the world of Ruthie"
Linda Wible wrote on Oct 8, 2019:
"It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we bid Ruthie farewell for now. Your precious smile is contagious. You will be missed but we know your new addressThe Wible familyCanterbury, N.H."
Dennis Smith wrote on Oct 7, 2019:
"Sincere sympathy!She was a sweet friend!"