Ruth L. Ehlerding, 95 years old of Decatur, Indiana, passed away at 6:41 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2008 in the Adams Memorial Hospital located in Decatur. Ruth was born on Friday, August 30, 1912 in Wells County, Indiana, the daughter of the late Christian Franke and the late Sophia (Mueller) Franke. She married the late Gilbert C. Ehlerding on April 24, 1932 in Wells County, Indiana and he passed away on August 11, 1983 and were married for 50 years. Ruth was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church-Preble; WML Women's Society; ONO Home Demonstration Club; Preble Fireman's Auxiliary; and a charter member of the Lutheran Chorale. Ruth had worked at Wayne Novelty for 20 years. Surviving are her daughter, Bernita (Donald) Haines of Decatur, Indiana, son, Fred (Judith) Ehlerding of Decatur, Indiana, ten grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and sixteen great-great-grandchildren. Preceding Ruth in death were three brothers, Herbert, Ervin, and Gerhard Franke; and one sister, Martha Selking. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2008 in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble with Rev. Daniel J. Brege officiating. Interment will follow in the St Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2008 in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Preferred memorials are to St. Paul Lutheran Church-Preble; or the donor's choice.
