Ruth Elizabeth Heiney, 96,  Bremen, Ind., departed to be with Christ her Savior at 7:55 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2012, in the Bremen Health Care Center. She was born on Jan. 3, 1916, in Bremen to William and Laura (Kiefer) Helmlinger.

Ruth was baptized on Jan. 23, 1916, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bremen and confirmed her Christian faith in 1930. Ruth was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and served in many different capacities. She participated in the Walther League, Adult Choir, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, and various Ladies Bible Study groups. She served as a Sunday School teacher, Teacher’s Aide in the Lutheran Day School, Vacation Bible School volunteer, and Church Secretary.

Ruth’s education began with eight years at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Bremen. She was a 1934 graduate of Bremen High School and continued her education at Wayne Beauty College, Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she earned her license as a beautician. During her adulthood, she was an avid poet, writing often of her Lord’s love and forgiveness and echoing the words of St. Paul: “To live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Ruth is survived by a daughter: Barbara Joyce (Heiney) Moore, Chatsworth, Ga.; a brother: William E. Helmlinger, Bremen; and a grandchild; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son: John E. Heiney Jr.; and a daughter: Pamela J. Heiney.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with the service to follow at 1 p.m. with the Pastor Roger Rohde officiating. Graveside committal will follow at the Bremen Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran School Tuition Fund.