Ruben M. Bontrager, 86, of Elkhart, met His Lord and Savior in heaven on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center after succombing to complications from COVID-19.

Ruben was born on February 11, 1934 to Martin R. Bontrager and Lydia Ann (Yoder) Bontrager in Fayette County, IA. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Tobias, Allen, John, Fannie, Josie, Joe and Marvin.

He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia (Mark) Kroft of Valparaiso; grandsons, Ben (Lindsey) Kroft of Murfreesboro, TN and Jacob Kroft of Valparaiso; great granddaughter, Adriana; siblings, Edward Bontrager, Barbara Bender, Anna Knepp, Jonas Bontrager, Sammi Reiff and Marty Bontrager.

Ruben was a resident of Brookdale in South Bend since 2016 but has lived in Elkhart county for most of his life. Ruben was a salesman for Moorman's Manufacturing Feed Company for 31 years. He loved his customers in the farming community like family. He enjoyed working in the yard and being outside.

Ruben had a big heart,never met a stranger and was generous to all. He especially enjoyed his grandsons, attending their events and celebrating their achievements.  He will be greatly missed.

Due to Covid 19 restrictions, a celebration of life service will be held for family or extended family members only on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 12:00 PM with visitation for family and extended family from 10:30 am to 12 noon at Billings Funeral Home, 812 S. Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514. Pastor Jeremy Sarber will be officiating. Burial will follow at Clinton Union Cemetery in Goshen.

Billings Funeral Home will be adhering to strict Covid 19 restrictions. Facemasks are required and social distancing (no hugs or handshakes please!).

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Elkhart Church Community Services, PO Box 2346, Elkhart IN 46516.

For those wishing to share a memory, send a condolence or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.