Ruth Carmean Putnam

Ruth Carmean Putnam, 58, loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend, passed away during the early morning hours of Friday, Sept. 27, 2006, after a lengthy illness.

She was born on Feb. 25, 1948, in Bay City, to Mildred (Plate) Putnam and the late Mark Sheldon Putnam. Ruth graduated from Midland High School and then attended Stephens College for two years and completed her studies at Albion College, earning her bachelor of arts degree. She continued with her education, earning her masters in guidance and counseling from Central Michigan University. She served as an admissions officer at the University of Notre Dame, and later as a counselor at the Child Abuse and Neglect Coordinating Office, before retiring to raise her two daughters. Later she co-owned GranDesign Interiors, Inc. Ruth was a member of the South Bend Junior League. Her special interests included hours of endless reading and vacationing with extended family at her summer home in Epworth Heights in Ludington, Mich. Most importantly Ruth treasured every moment spent with her two daughters. One of the many gifts that Ruth brought to the lives of others was her sense of humor and engaging laughter.

Ruth is survived by her two daughters, Lauren M. Putnam of Mishawaka, Ind. and Nicole J. Putnam of South Bend, Ind.; her mother, Mildred Putnam of Midland; her sisters, Charleen (Michael) Lester of Indianapolis, Ind. and Barbara (William Jr.) Smith of Midland; her brother John (Cynthia) Putnam of Midland; and nieces and nephews, Christine and John Putnam Jr., Andrew (Shannon), Bradford (Babbie), Paul and Daniel Lester and Ruth-Marie, Ethan and Abigail Smith; great-nieces, Rachel Lester and Tai Lester; her beloved aunt, Ruth Caldwell of Midland; and her cousins, David (Sue) Caldwell of Denver, Colo., Richard (Anne) Caldwell of Midland and Patricia Sutton of Denver, Colo. She was predeceased by her father, Mark Sheldon Putnam.

A funeral service was held at the Clay United Methodist Church, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006, in Mishawaka, Ind. Internment services will take place at Midland Cemetery .

A Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, 2006 , at the the Memorial Presbyterian Church, with visitation with family preceding the service from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Rev. Wallace H. Mayton III will officiate.

Memorials may be given to the Boys and Girls Club of St. Joseph County, 502 E. Sample St., South Bend, IN 46601 or to the donor's choice.

Local arrangements are being handled by the Smith-Miner Funeral Home.