Ruth Kline passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 1, 2016, surrounded by three generations of her family who loved and adored her.

Throughout her 100 years of life, she was a rock for her family; demonstrating through her unceasing hard work, faith, and zest how to live a fulfilling life.

She will be particularly missed by her children: Robert (Carolyn) Kline, Culver; Carol (Richard) Troester, Culver; and Patricia (James) Mann, Naples, Fla.

Ruth was born on the family farm near Rutland to Ira and Clara Ringer on Dec. 15, 1915. Raised on the farm, she graduated from Culver High School in 1933. It was on the farm that Ruth learned the value of hard work and the many skills to raise a family during challenging times. Ruth married Wayne Kline in 1937. Their 72-year marriage and love for each other continues to be a strength and inspiration for their extended family and those around them. Together, they raised three children and were devoted parents and later, grandparents and great-grandparents.

Ruth worked throughout her life, both on the dairy farm with Wayne, and later as a sales person at J.C. Penney and then secretary to the business manager at Culver Academies.

As her children grew and began families of their own, Ruth had the chance to enjoy some of her many hobbies. Throughout her life she was an avid gardener, canning and freezing food for use throughout the year. A wonderful cook, a meal at Ruth’s table was always something to enjoy, unfailingly ending with a delicious pie or cake!

Ruth’s competitive streak was apparent at the card table, whether it was Uno or Go Fish with her grandchildren or great grandchildren or euchre or canasta with her many friends at Horizon Village in North Ft. Meyers. Throughout their lives Ruth and Wayne traveled near and far. She particularly enjoyed the fishing trips with Paul and Joyce Winn and her visits to her daughters in California and Florida.

The Bible was never far from Ruth’s side either. She was active in many church organizations and taught Sunday School for many years.  Through her youth and young  adult years, she was a member of the Menominee Church near Rutland, transferring to Mt. Hope Church near Leiters Ford after she married Wayne. As an older adult she and Wayne became members of Sunrise Chapel in Plymouth, Indiana.

Upon her retirement to Ft. Myers, Fla. in 1980, she became a member of the First United Methodist Church for 18 years. Upon her return to the Culver area in her later years, she became a member of Wesley United Methodist Church. Ruth had an abiding, active faith and could always be counted on to lend a hand on a variety of church projects – and to ensure her children always got their chores done and never missed Sunday School! She served as a 4-H Leader for many years as well as being an active member of the literature group of the Culver City Club.

A brother, Norman, and infant sister preceded her in death, as well as her parents and husband Wayne.

Her legacy will live on and be remembered by six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and the many extended family, friends, and acquaintances whose lives she touched.

A time of visitation with the family will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church, 511 School Street, Culver, Wednesday, July 6 from 10 a.m. until service time. Rev. Tom Harzula will officiate the service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Washington Cemetery.

Memorials may be give to Culver Future Farmers of America (c/o Culver Community Schools) or to Marshall County 4-H.

Bonine-Odom Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.