Ruth Naomi Funderburk, 76, of Elkhart, passed away on Friday, May 7, 2026 at the Elkhart Center for Hospice Care.

Ruth was born on March 3, 1950 in Wheat Ridge, OH to the late, Orval and Anna R. (Wright) Newkirk. She married Donald E. Funderburk on April 28, 1987 in Goshen, IN. He passed away on January 6, 2021.

She is also preceded in death by her brothers and sisters, Howard Newkirk, Gemimia Harris, Dorothy Boiman, George Newkirk, Wilbur Newkirk, Gladys Staten, Shirley Newkirk, Hazel Newkirk, John Newkirk and Patricia Jett.

Ruth is survived by her children, Baron (Stephanie) Watson, Tina (Monty) Rose, and Donald E. (Joyce) Funderburk, Jr., grandchildren, Luke Rose, Austen Funderburk, Dakota Funderburk, TJ Funderburk, Caroline Ashby and Baron Watson, Jr; great grandchildren, Ethan, Jordan, Maddox, Carson, Ella, Aria, Kendra and Sutton; and brothers, Bob (Brenda) Newkirk and Wayne (Barb) Newkirk and many close nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ruth was employed for 36 years at Holiday Rambler where she met her husband, Don.

Ruth was an active member of the South English Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall in Elkhart for many years. She enjoyed spreading the teachings of the Bible to those in her community.

Ruth and Don enjoyed fishing and boating in her early years. She was an avid traveler in her free time.

Ruth was a nonjudgemental, positive and hospitable woman with a wonderful sense of humor.

Most of all, she loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service at 2:30 pm on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, 25448 County Road 22, Elkhart, IN 46517.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the family.

For those that wish to send a condolence or share a memory may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.