Ruth Ullmer
Ruth Ullmer, 77, New Bloomington, passed away Friday, June 16, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Marion on July 22, 1945, to the late Elza and Minervia (Tucker) Craig of Richwood. Ruth and her twin-sister Ruby were the “babies” of the Craig family of nine children. Being identical in looks was not the only likeness for Ruth and Ruby. Both Ruth and Ruby have been the heart of their families, supporting each other through the good and the challenging times, and always together. Proud to be each other’s sister and even more proud to be each other’s twin, the bond of "twinship” remains strong even in Ruth’s passing.
Ruth grew up in the Richwood area and married John "Jack" Ullmer on January 13, 1962, in York Center. Jack and Ruth lived in Marion before moving to New Bloomington. Ruth and Jack had three children, Sherry, Tracy, and Tim. Jack will remember Ruth as the best wife, friend, and partner in could wish for on their life journey. Sherry, Tracy, and Tim will forever remember Ruth as the most kind and gentle mother a person could want. Ruth was a nurturer. She always knew how to soothe a skinned knee, a bad hair day, a broken heart, or even a stupid son who flipped his car. She was always the first person called to ask for help and guidance.
She loved crocheting and knitting blankets, hats, and scarves for her family and friends. These items will be cherished by all those who received them. Ruth also liked playing games on her tablet and going to casinos with her husband, Jack, to play slots and have a steak dinner. An avid Elvis fan, Ruth loved attending the Elvis shows at the Palace Theater.
As time passed, Ruth saw the family grow through marriage and the births of three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Family was the core of Ruth’s being. She attended ball games and events for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She cheered and screamed as loud as anyone. She was proud of her family, and they were (are) proud of her.
Ruth worked at Whirlpool as a quality inspector in the ‘Quiet Room’. She was very proud of every job she held and always brought her best each day. Before going to work at Whirlpool, Ruth held a variety of jobs including decorating cakes for many events including birthdays and weddings. She learned her decorating skills alongside Ruby. They often worked together on their creations and always had happy customers.
Ruth is predeceased by her parents, Elza and Minervia Craig; sisters, Edith (Dick) Baker, Ethel (Tom) Bevis, Twila (Glenn) Hines, Dorothy (Don) Fryman and Joann (Ted) Britenstine, brothers, Jim (Lola) Craig, and Robert Craig. Her sister-in-law, Nancy (William) Gracely, also predeceased her.
Surviving is Ruth’s husband, John “Jack” Ullmer of New Bloomington; daughter Sherry Ullmer of Bellefontaine, daughter Tracy Roshon of Marion; son Tim (Sarah) Ullmer of Marysville; twin-sister Ruby (Victor) Phipps of Green Camp; sister-in-law Sue (Randy) McCarty of New York; grandson Cole (Haylee) Nicolosi of New Bloomington, son of Tracy; granddaughter, Kelly Nicolosi of New Bloomington, daughter of Tracy; grandson Tommy Ullmer of Marysville, son of Tim and Sarah; granddaughter Anna Ullmer of Marysville, daughter of Tim and Sarah; great-grandsons Enzo, Ezra, and Eziah Nicolosi, sons of Cole and Haylee; and many nieces and nephews.
Services celebrating Ruth’s life will be held Wednesday June 21, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in Richwood. Pastor Kathy Herr will officiate. Friends may call two hours prior to the service beginning at 5:00 pm at the funeral home in Richwood. Private burial will take place in the Green Camp Cemetery.
Memorial gifts can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at michaeljfox.org.
Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com.
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home