Ruth Ellen (Ernsberger) Stoner, 104, recently of Middlebury and formerly of Elkhart, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at her daughter's home surrounded by loving family. She was born at home in Elkhart on June 3, 1919, to the late Howard and Hannah (Leonard) Ernsberger. On December 2, 1938, Ruth married the love of her life, Harry Robert Stoner, in Elkhart. He passed away on February 26, 2005.

Ruth is survived by her loving daughters, Judy K. Adams, and Cindi (Denny) Smith; grandchildren, Craig (Lydia) Adams, Steve (Maxi) Adams, and Adam Smith; 7 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; and a loving host of extended family, friends, and acquaintances.

Ruth was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years; parents; son-in-law, Ray Adams, who passed on October 23, 2015; grandson, Tyler Smith, who passed on January 14, 2018; and 9 siblings, including two sets of twins.

Services for Ruth will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Billings Funeral Home with visitation from 12 PM to 1 PM and a funeral service to follow beginning at 1 PM. Pastor Gary Lewis of Bristol United Methodist Church will officiate. A private family burial and graveside service will take place at Prairie Street Cemetery following services.

Ruth graduated from Jimtown High School on April 26, 1938, and later went on to work for Miles Laboratory as an assembly worker for over 25 years. She was also a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 181, a longtime DAV Member in the Ladies Auxillary, and a member of the Social Order of the Beauceant Chapter 29.

Ruth adored her family and enjoyed all the moments she was able to share with each person she loved, given that she amazingly was alive to see five generations all together. At 80 years old, her daughters took her on a cruise for her birthday, and at 100 years old, her family held a big, joyous party for her. Ruth also enjoyed being able to visit with her cousins once a month, helping to raise and tend to her loving grandchildren, and stopping by her grandson's property to visit every so often.

In a testament to a long life well-lived, Ruth would enjoy a glass of wine before bed each night, always saying that 'it was good for her heart'. She had many people who loved her dearly and was blessed to touch the hearts of so many. Ruth will be dearly missed and, in her honor, please enjoy a nice glass of wine to commemorate her amazing life!

Memorial donations in Ruth's honor may be directed to Heart to Heart Hospice, 1178 Fremont Court, Ste. 2, Elkhart IN 46516. The family would also like to thank hospice and all of their nurses and aids that assisted Ruth and her family, as they treated her amazingly during her time in their care.

Heart to Heart Hospice
1178 Fremont Court, Ste. 2, Elkhart IN 46516
Tel: 1-574-350-4977