RUTH E. (SMITH) GAREN

Dec. 29, 1914 - June 2, 2012
SOUTH BEND - Ruth Elizabeth Garen departed this life at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2012, in her residence at Sanctuary at St. Paul's. Ruth was a lifelong resident of South Bend and was born to Ruth D. and Fred S. Smith.

On May 8, 1937, she married Reese O. Garen, who preceded her in death on January 8, 1998. Ruth was also preceded in death by her brother, John E. Smith, who lived in Estilefork, AL.

She is survived by one son, Thomas F. Garen of South Bend, and many nieces and nephews.

A 1933 graduate of Central High School, Ruth had several jobs including the Bendix Corporation, South Bend Waterworks under Mayor Lloyd Allen, and the South Bend Voters Registration office. She also spent 40 years as the District Chairman of the Republican Party.

She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of South Bend, a member of the St. Joseph County Republican Women's Association and the Near Northwest Neighborhood Association.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 6th, in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521 N. William St. Committal services and burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday in the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Princess Mishawaka Questers #196, 16417 Summit Ridge Drive, Mishawaka, IN 46544; or the St. Joseph County Republican Party, 4133 S. Main St., South Bend, IN 46614.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jun. 4, 2012

01/20/2023 EJS