Joan Ruth Obituary
221 North Meridian
Portland, Indiana 47371
260-726-7171
[email protected]
Joan Raina Ruth, age 54, of Ridgeville passed away on Saturday January 10, 2026. She was born in Portland on May 11, 1971 the daughter of Clyde "Lew" and Janet (Kelly) Rines. Joan married the love of her life Norman Ruth on June 25, 1994 and they had four bueatiful children. She was a 1989 Winchester High School graduate and in 1995 earned a Bachelors degree from Ball State University.
She worked at Geneva F&M Bank in Portland for twenty five years and previously had worked for LJ Stone. She enjoyed crafting, cooking and baking. She volunteered at the Ridgeville Little League for fifteen years. Her favorite thing was spending time with her family and loving her grand babies.
Surviving are her husband of thirty one years Norman, three daughters Bridgett Berry (husband Desstone) of Montpelier, Caitlyn Clark (husband Bradley) of Farmland, Jalanie Ruth of Ridgeville and one son Colten Ruth of Ridgeville her mother Janet Rines of Ridgeville, one brother Shane Rines of Ridgeville, three grandchildren Asher, Corbyn and Hadley and special niece Shaylee Rines. She was preceded in death by her father Clyde "Lew" Rines and a daughter Francine Marie Ruth.
Funeral services will be Thursday January 15th at 6:00 PM in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Jonathan Edwards presiding. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 6:00 PM on Thursday. Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association. Online condolences at www.bairdfreeman.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Shirley Gruss
January 15, 2026
Norman, I was sorry to hear if the passing of the love of your life.
I really did not know Joan and met her briefly at a family function several years ago.
May our Heavenly Father grant you peace, hope, comfort and joy in knowing she is out of pain and in the comfort of Jesus.
Much love,
Dennis and SHIRLEY
American Heart Association
January 14, 2026
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Michelle Sealscott
January 13, 2026
Joan was a sweetheart with a contagious smile. She loved her family dearly and will be greatly missed. I enjoyed working with Joan at the bank years ago. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Sincerely,
Michelle Sealscott
The Family Philosopher
January 13, 2026
Cuz Norm:
Joan will be missed. I'm very grateful for the blessings that brought her into your life. I'm reminded of author Richard Bach's words at this time:
"The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.
"Family is not necessarily made of blood, but of those you meet along the way.
"Rarely do members of the same family grow up under the same roof."
Peace and Farewell, Joan. Thank you for your role as a mother and a wife.
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221 N Meridian St., Portland, IN 47371
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