Ruth "Little Grandma" Kemp

Ruth "Little Grandma" Kemp obituary, Portland, IN

Ruth "Little Grandma" Kemp

Ruth Kemp Obituary

Visit the Williamson, Spencer and Penrod Funeral Homes - Portland Chapel website to view the full obituary.
Ruth Kemp "Little Grandma", age 103, a resident of Portland, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at IU Health Jay Hospital.
Ruth was born February 16, 1922, in Darke County, Ohio, the daughter of Noah and Evelyn (Brining) Nisonger. Ruth married William Kenneth Kemp on April 9, 1938 and he passed away on September 6, 2002.
She worked as a cook at Madison Township School and Jay County Hospital. She also worked at Campbell Soup in Saratoga and G.C. Murphy in Portland. Ruth was a member of Praise Chapel Church of God and attended Church of the Brethren in Portland. At Praise Chapel she was involved in many activities include Women's Life of the church, WCG of the church and served as treasurer. Ruth was an avid sports enthusiast attending many games in person and watching sports on TV.
Survivors include:
Her children: Marlene Neargarder – North Salem, Indiana
Marilyn Bentz (husband Jack) – Portland, Indiana
8 grandchildren: Debbie Hosier (husband Bruce), Rick Neargarder (wife Kathy), Delee Hall (husband Reggie), Diane Bentz-Cooper (husband Odie), Phil Bentz (wife Rachel), Ila Badger, Dick Watkins and Jack Burns.
20 great grandchildren and 43 great-great grandchildren
She was preceded in death by 4 grandchildren; Scottie Neargarder, Billy Bentz, Stevie Bentz and Missy Bentz-Lee and 3 great-great grandchildren; Hendrick, Harrison and Hadlee Neargarder.
Visitation will be held on Monday from 4-7 p.m. at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Kevin McClung will officiate and burial will follow at North Salem Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed towards Missy Lee Scholarship Fund through The Portland Foundation.
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Ruth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ruth Kemp's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more