Ruth Eleanor (Jones) Butler

It was with deeply saddened hearts that our family said goodbye to Ruth Eleanor (Jones) Butler, 98, on Sunday, December 12, 2021, as she passed from this earth to be with her Father and Savior in Heaven. She was born on December 18, 1922, in South Bend, Indiana, missing her 99th birthday by just a few short days. She was a graduate of South Bend Central High School and spent most of her life in the Michiana area, wintering in Lakeland, Florida for many years. Ruth was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, caregiver, and a wonderful friend to many. She will be remembered as the hard-working, devoted and independent woman she was.

She had a very strong sense of family. Born to Grace (Meek) and Walter Jones, she was the baby of the family and adored by her older brother, Paul, and sister, Irma. In 1941, she met a handsome young man, Ralph B. Butler, of Orland, IN, and they were married on January 26, 1946 after he returned from WWII. They had two sons, John D. Butler (born 1949) and Gary A. Butler (born 1953). She was deeply proud of the service Ralph gave to his country, including earning the Bronze Star for his participation in the Battle of the Bulge. She was a dedicated mother, supporting her sons through being a cub scout den mother, helping get materials for ribbon-winning 4-H projects and nurturing their musical talents by providing instruments and lessons – and never missing a performance.

Ruth was also an astute businesswoman. She got her first job – as a credit reporter for the South Bend Credit Bureau – right after graduating from South Bend Central High School. She then became a key business partner with Ralph through both the family-owned farming business and then Butler’s Bolt & Nut, Inc. Being children of the depression, they worked together to run a frugal, efficient business and home.

And, most of all, Ruth was a devout Christian. Regardless of whether times brought great joy or tragedy, Ruth never failed to show her servant’s heart. She had a great love and respect for the Lord, and she loved attending Church to listen to His word. She always worked to give back where she could, being a Sunday school teacher, reading to children and even making handmade Christmas cards for those less fortunate. When asked what she wanted to be remembered most for, she said, “. . . that I fulfilled God’s purpose for me.” We strongly believe you have, Grandma Ruth. You are missed and loved by all.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph (August 1997), son John (May 2013), son Gary (January 2009), her parents, baby sister Velma Grace, sister Irma, brother Paul. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Candace Butler of Mishawaka, grandson Tobias J. Butler of Orlando, Florida, granddaughter Lindsey K. Butler of Mishawaka, daughter-in-law, Renee Butler of Burton, Michigan – along with her one surviving niece Elaine Stearly of Mishawaka, and many grand- and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Palmer Funeral Home – River Park is handling arrangements. Funeral services for Ruth will be held at Bertrand Bible Church, 1008 Ontario Rd, Niles, MI on Saturday, December 18 at 1:00pm. Visitation will be held one hour before at the church. Ruth will then be entombed at Southlawn Cemetery on a date soon after. Pastor Tony Slagle will officiate. Online expressions of sympathy can be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ruth’s name are suggested to Bertrand Bible Church.

Posted online on December 14, 2021

Published in South Bend Tribune

12/15/2021 EJS