Ruth Ellen Bisbee

RUTH E. BISBEE FORMERLY OF HAMMOND, IN
Ruth Ellen Bisbee, age 85, went to her heavenly home peacefully on Thursday, March 18, 2010. She was a woman of strong faith and was excited about going to be with Jesus and being reunited with those dearly departed that had gone on before her. A big smile would come across her face when she heard songs, prayers or just the name of Jesus. A special verse was marked in Ruth's Bible which was the credo she lived by from 1st Thessalonians 5:14…."comfort those who are frightened; take care of those who are weak; and be patient with everyone. Always be joyful. Always keep praying." She touched everyone in such a loving special way. She was active in church, scouts, Salvation Army, World Bible League, and numerous other organizations. Ruth was born on June 14, 1924 to Gerald and Irene Laudeman in Bremen, IN. She was always proud of their house on Water Street - full of love, laughter, and joy. But tough times came in 1933 when her father passed away. Irene moved to Gary, IN with her two girls, Jane and Ruth and her young son, Richard to live with her sister, and eventually back to Bremen when Irene got a job in the pants factory. More prayers were answered when a widower, William Kuyper, who also had two sons, Bill and Jim, and a daughter, Lucille, courted and married Irene. The blended family was almost like three sets of twins. Ruth told many stories of the warmth, love, and excitement that special family generated. Brother Jim of Prescott Valley, AZ is the only survivor of that blended family. Family was very special to Ruth and she married Joseph Bisbee, an old high school sweetheart in Chicago. They raised five children in Northwestern Indiana: Phyllis, Gary, John, Judy and Dan. John (Peggy) of Rolla, MO and Gary (Sophie) of Lake Village, MN are the only surviving children. Chuck Cornwell of Munster and Yvonne Bisbee of Gary are surviving son and daughter -in-law. Many good memories were made in that home as Ruth and Joe tried hard to set good examples for their children. And there was always an extra place at the table for a lonesome neighbor or wayward child. Ruth managed the Riley Elementary School cafeteria and was loved dearly by all. She couldn't help but pick out the little ones who needed a little extra love, attention, and food. That attitude carried with her in all she did over the years. Comforting, caring, loving. She will be greatly missed by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She had a wit and sense of joy that lifted everyone's spirits. When she would say, "I love you Dearie," you knew you were truly receiving a blessing. As Ruth's Alzheimer's progressed, she continued to appreciate the fine care and attention she was getting and always was concerned about being a bother. She had to be reminded of all the caring she had done for others and now it was her turn to be cared for. She would smile and say, "It's just so wonderful." On Monday before she started her heavenly journey, with a big smile on her face she asked one of her caregivers, "Why are you so nice to me?" The answer was fitting for all who ever knew Ruth. "Because you are so nice to everyone, we love you." A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Rolla, MO and on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Griffith, IN. The family is very appreciative of the fine care and love Ruth received at Towne Centre, Merrillville, IN, Victorian Manor and Cuba Manor in Cuba, MO; also the loving care and attention provided by Phelps County Regional Medical Center Hospice folks. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to P.C.R.M.C. Hospice, 575 A, Blue Lake Parkway, Rolla, MO 65401.