Ruth L. (Silvius) Ziems

Ruth L. Ziems, 98, of Elkhart, died on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at her home at Brentwood Independent Living Facility in Elkhart.

Ruth was born May 12, 1925, in Bourbon, IN to the late Wilbur L. and Mary E. (Baugher) Silvius.  She was also preceded in death by three sisters: Margaret E. Squires, Josephine E. Albritton and Lila I. Powell and two brothers: Robert L. and John P. Silvius.

On March 20, 1971, Ruth married Robert W. Ziems in Elkhart.  Bob died March 2, 2006.  Ruth is survived by a sister, Lola Silvius DeVries and several nieces and nephews.

Ruth was a 1944 graduate of Bourbon High School.  She began her career at Wheatly Office Supply where she was employed as a clerk from 1951-1952.  She then worked for a year as a clerk at the Elkhart Credit Bureau before taking a position at Associates Financial Services where she worked from 1953-1981, and as manager, she retired in 1981.

She was a life member of the Women of the Moose where she served as Senior Regent and was also a member of the College of Regents.  She was a member of the Elkhart County Genealogical Society, serving as the president in 1968, a member of the Elkhart Historical Society, a former member of Sweet Adelines, member of the Elkhart Conservation Club and the Elkhart Band Instrument Retirees.  Ruth was also a fourteen-year member of the New Horizon Band and She was also a member of the Saturday Quilt Stitcher’s Club, Mr. and Mrs. Club, Republican Women’s Club, Kiwanis Travel Club and the Osceola “Go to Lunch Bunch” and loved attending bible study classes. Ruth is a member of the Bristol Community Church (formerly Bristol United Methodist Church).  While married, she was a member at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Elkhart.

Ruth was an inspiration to many as she stayed so independent and active throughout her golden years. She continued her love of travel and went on numerous trips with Edgerton’s Travel. She was also quite adventurous and never turned down an opportunity to have a good time. She celebrated her 98th birthday last year by skydiving! Ruth loved to host big family dinners at her home as well as enjoyed celebrating any occasion such as a loved one’s birthday at a restaurant of their choice.  Ruth had easily made friends in all the clubs and organizations she belonged to over the years but some of her dearests were those made around the card table and around the fireplace in the afternoons at Brentwood chatting into the evening.

Visitation for Ruth will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, from 3 pm until 6 pm at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home. Friends may also call one hour prior to services at 11 am on Thursday, April 11th at Bristol Community Church 201 S. Division St. in Bristol.  The Rev. Gary Lewis will officiate and burial will be in Rice Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Ruth may be made to the Bristol Community Church or the Elkhart County Genealogical Society.

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