Ruth Robertson

Ruth was born on February 24, 1941, to Lawrence and Agnes Strode in Hammond, Indiana. She attended Bishop Noll Institute for high school, where she was selected for Girls State, crowned homecoming queen, and graduated in 1959. After high school, Ruth married Phillip Markovich in 1960, and their beautiful marriage lasted for 16 years until Phil's sudden death in 1976. After she was widowed at the tender age of 35, Ruth was a determined and courageous mother who was dedicated to the success of her five children, that being her life's most treasured accomplishment. Ruth earned her Certificate in Accounting at Calumet College and started her bookkeeping career at Ribordy Drugs. Her exemplary skills led her to a long tenure as the bookkeeper at Munster High School, where she met her second husband, Edward (Rob) Robertson, to whom she was married for 16 years until his death in 2000. Ruth and Rob's combined families enjoyed many large and joyful celebrations over the years.

Family was at the center of Ruth's life. She cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren, whether hosting gatherings at home or traveling near and far. Ruth enjoyed joining her children and grandchildren on vacations to a variety of places, including the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Italy, Ireland, Hilton Head, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and many other destinations.

Ruth played the piano and organ, sharing her Catholic faith by playing at Mass during her teen years. She was a skilled and avid player of bridge, Scrabble, and Rummikub. Ruth nurtured her creative spirit through her art which included drawing, decoupage, paper toll, watercolor, and most recently a variety of media at her stimulating art classes in the studio at Woodland Terrace. She cherished her close friends through the years, including "The Divas," with whom she enjoyed fine dining, theater, travel, and life to the fullest!

In 2019, Ruth moved to the Indianapolis area to live closer to family.

Ruth is survived by her brother, James Strode, and sister, Mary (Jerry) Skrabala. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Phillip Markovich; her parents, Lawrence and Agnes Strode; her sister, Barbara Bohlen; her brother-in-law, Ted Bohlen; her sister-in-law, Barb Larson Strode; her second husband, Edward Robertson; and her stepsons, Marc Robertson and Chris Robertson.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Chris (Holly) Markovich, Debbie (Karl) D'Arcy, Elaine (Tom) McKenna, Karen (Mike) Kurcz, and Nicole (Dave) Morfas. Surviving step children: Rhonda (Jeff) Craver, Ann Robertson, Keith (Katie) Robertson, Mary Robertson, and Beth (Steve) Winkler.

She also leaves behind many beloved grandchildren: Lauren (Jesse) Blackwell, Colleen Cavender, Phillip (Midi) Markovich, Emily (Curt) Singer, Stephenie (Patrick) Fahy, Chelsea (Daniel Morris) Markovich, Ethan D'Arcy, Ben (Julia) Markovich, Tony (Elizabeth) Kurcz, Louie (Isabel) Kurcz, Madeline (Zach) Ranck, Sophie Kurcz, Ellie Morfas, and Michael Morfas. Loving step-grandchildren Ben Craver, Tim (Nicole) Craver, Matt (Maureen) Craver, Casey Robertson, Sara Wietbrock, Claire Robertson, Eric Robertson, Cy Winkler, and Cleat Winkler; great-grandchildren Levi and Zeke Blackwell, Isabella Markovich, Margo and Arthur Singer, Everett and Tyler Fahy, Marvin and Theodore Morris, Lucas Markovich, and baby Emmett Kurcz; and step-great-grandchildren Kayla, Athena, and Haley Craver, Addison and Peyton Wietbrock, and Jack Craver.

Ruth's family is deeply grateful for the compassionate hospice care she received at Woodland Terrace of Carmel. We take comfort in knowing that our mother's legacy lives on in her gentle spirit, her unwavering devotion to family, and the many treasured memories she leaves behind. Ruth truly was OUR queen.

Ruth will be remembered in a Funeral Mass at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Dyer, Indiana, at 10:00 a.m. on February 27, 2026. Burial will follow at St. Nicholas Cemetery in Hammond, Indiana.

Ruth will be remembered at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Dyer, Indiana, on February 27. There will be a short visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the vestibule of church before the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Nicholas Cemetery in Hammond, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Heart Association or Anchor of Hope Hospice.