ELKHART — Ruth L. Evans, 82, of Elkhart, went home to Jesus in the early hours of Thursday, Jan. 22, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. She died in her home surrounded by her family.

Ruth was born June 19, 1932, in Altona, DeKalb County, to Sam and Effie (Hummel-Held) Houser. Within six months the family moved to Syracuse, where Ruth grew up on the shores of Lake Wawasee.

It was while she was attending Elkhart Institute of Technology that she and her future husband fell in love. Ruth and George W. Evans were married March 20, 1953, in Syracuse. George died June 6, 1984.

Survivors include one daughter, Noreen (Steve) Ward of Elkhart; one son, Rex Evans of Elkhart; one sister, Lois (Chuck) Forster of Sebring, Fla.; one sister-in-law, Jerry of Elkhart; three grandchildren, Jeff Ward of Elkhart, Wes (Rachel) Evans of Milford and Amanda (Nick) Dunn of Ethiopia; two great-grandchildren, Haylee Evans and Ramiah Dunn, and soon expecting a third great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one brother, Howard, and one son, Michael Evans.

Ruth was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church and the Elkhart General Hospital Auxiliary. She was an avid supporter of the Humane Society of Elkhart County.

She was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend.

The family will receive friends for an hour prior to the 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, celebration of life service at Bethel United Methodist Church, 1200 N. Michigan St., Elkhart. Pastor Keith McFarren will officiate. Interment of her cremated remains will be in Salem Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church or the Humane Society of Elkhart County.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is entrusted with arrangements.

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