Donna S. Ruch

October 17, 2020

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Donna S. Ruch, 86, of rural Frankfort, Ind., died October 17, 2020 at I.U. Arnett Hospital, Lafayette. She was born June 1, 1934 in Clinton County, Ind. to Harold & Alice (Robertson) Barnett.  She married Otis Edmund “Ed” Ruch on April 25, 1954 at the First Methodist Church in Frankfort and he survives.

Donna was a 1952 graduate of Frankfort High School.  She attended Purdue University, received her BA in elementary education from Butler and her Masters from Ball State.  She was the county attendance officer before teaching at Woodside School and Clinton Central Elementary.  She retired as a 4th grade teacher from Clinton Central in 1996.  She was a member of the Kilmore United Methodist Church, where she was involved with youth and the children’s choir. She was also a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, Frankfort Education Foundation, and Tri Kappa.  Donna enjoyed reading, traveling, family activities, and enjoyed attending sporting events with her husband, Ed. Her priority was her family whom she dearly loved and was known by all as a kind and loving person.

Visitation and Services

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2020 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, October 23, 2020 with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Craig Overman will officiate. Burial will be in Kilmore Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Clinton County Boys & Girls Club or Kilmore Church Memorial Fund, c/o James Need, 1555 N. Main, Frankfort, IN 46041. Out of respect for the health, safety, and comfort of all in attendance, guests will be expected to adhere to current CDC guidelines regarding appropriate social distancing and the wearing of masks.

Survived by:

Husband: Ed Ruch of rural Frankfort, 2 Daughters: Linda S. (Dave) Skinner of rural Frankfort, Jan E. (Walter) Warren of Seymour, 1 Son: Joe E. (Susan) Ruch of Frankfort, 8 Grandchildren, Zeb Skinner of Frankfort, Eric Skinner of Colorado, Kyle (Amy) Ruch of Chicago, Emily (Brent) Noble of Brownsburg, Maddy Ruch of Muncie, Mackenna Eldredge of Frankfort, Payton Warren of California and Macey Warren of Louisville. and 5 Great Grandchildren.

Preceded by:

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, William “Beezer” Barnett.

Memorial Video

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Condolences

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59 Condolences for “Donna S. Ruch”

  1. Jack & Connie Scheid October 18, 2020 at 8:19 pm

    I am deeply saddened to learn Donna’s passing. She was a wonderful person & friend. My prayers are with Ed, Joe and the family. God Bless

    Reply
  2. Kim Wiles October 18, 2020 at 11:50 pm

    You’re in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  3. Cheryl Henry October 19, 2020 at 6:28 am

    Dear Rich Family,
    So sorry for your loss. I met Donna while substitute teaching nearly 30 years ago. Such a sweet lady! Heaven definitely gained a beautiful angel!

    Reply
  4. Jane Sheets October 19, 2020 at 7:09 am

    Wonderful and gracious lady. My condolences to the entire Ruch family.

    Reply
  5. Jim & Pam Bricker October 19, 2020 at 7:44 am

    We are saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. She was a very special and dear lady. Our prayers go out for all of you.

    Reply
  6. Janet Zuther October 19, 2020 at 8:08 am

    So very sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful friend and Christian lady. Sincerely, Janet Zuther

    Reply
  7. Rita Barnett October 19, 2020 at 8:24 am

    What sweet lady. Heavens door opened to a special person. Thank you Lord for letting me meet her.

    Reply
  8. Butch Huffer October 19, 2020 at 8:29 am

    SOo sorry for your loss, we know she is in a better place. My prayers are with you. God Bless.

    Reply
  9. Annette October 19, 2020 at 10:20 am

    So sorry for your loss, she was a wonderful lady, sending hugs and prayers.

    Reply
  10. Janet Mitchell October 19, 2020 at 10:25 am

    The loss of Donna just breaks my heart. The whole family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you all.

    Reply
  11. Jenny & Steve Larimore October 19, 2020 at 10:34 am

    To all the Ruch family,
    Know you are in our thoughts & prayers. Donna was such a beautiful person inside & out, she will be missed.

    Reply
  12. Joe and Barbara Grissom October 19, 2020 at 10:47 am

    We send our deepest condolences to Ed and the family. Donna was a special lady, so kind, lovely and loving. We will miss her!

    Reply
  13. Shirley Ricker October 19, 2020 at 11:58 am

    Ed and family, Sorry to hear about Donna. I knew her when she was Donna Barnett – a long time ago! Did you know one summer we worked for the recreation department in Frankfort? We went to the parks and provided recreational activities for the children. We also ended up playing softball on a team. She could really smack that softball!!!! I know you will miss her. You have my deepest sympathy. Shirley Ricker

    Reply
  14. Tom Warren October 19, 2020 at 12:17 pm

    Ed,
    Sorry about your loss. Best wishes to you and your family.

    Reply
  15. Jeff, Judi Reecer October 19, 2020 at 12:34 pm

    Linda, Dave and family.

    We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

    Reply
  16. Rose Peterson October 19, 2020 at 1:03 pm

    My heartfelt prayers for the family. May you feel the Lord’s comfort and peace at this time. So sorry for your loss. She was a very sweet lady and I remember her from Rock Steady when my husband Don went there. They are both in heaven and completely well now.
    Sincerely in Christian Love

    Reply
  17. Crys McInerney October 19, 2020 at 1:06 pm

    Dear Linda and Family,
    I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s death. Your mom and dad were so kind to me when we were growing up. Sending hugs and prayers.

    Reply
  18. Jenny & Howard Axelson October 19, 2020 at 1:22 pm

    To the Ruch Family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Loved your mom and her sweet heart. Treasure the memories of her and her kindness and joy. Sending much love, hugs and prayers to you all today.

    Reply
  19. Ruth Taylor October 19, 2020 at 1:26 pm

    Our sincere condolences and prayers to Ed and the Ruch family.
    Jack Taylor Family

    Reply
  20. Tony Bowman October 19, 2020 at 1:43 pm

    Sorry for your loss. She was one of my favorite teachers at Clinton Central.

    Reply
  21. Robert & Abby October 19, 2020 at 1:49 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you, Robert and Abby

    Reply
  22. Dick and Donna Ticen October 19, 2020 at 2:02 pm

    Ed and family: Dick and I were so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was such a sweet lady and we so enjoyed getting to know her over the years at Kilmore UMC. You and your family are all in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. God’s blessings on you all.

    Dick and Donna Ticen and family

    Reply
  23. Julie Ingels October 19, 2020 at 2:13 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. Donna was a wonderful lady and will be missed. Hugs and prayers to all of you.

    Reply
  24. Becky and Dean Walker October 19, 2020 at 2:16 pm

    We have fond memories of Donna as a teacher at Clinton Central. So sorry for your loss and we’ll be thinking of you in the coming days. God bless and comfort you.

    Reply
  25. Sarah C. Kennedy October 19, 2020 at 3:04 pm

    So sad to learn about Donna, what a awesome lady ! She was always so kind and welcoming to me. She also was a great friend to my Aunt Marge. The loss will go on and on just as her love did for all of us.

    Prays with all of you!

    Reply
  26. Jr and Barb Gerald October 19, 2020 at 3:19 pm

    Linda & Dave, Joe & Susan, Jan and all the grands and greats. We loved Donna and adore Ed. Honestly don’t believe there was a kinder, sweeter lady on this earth. We’ll miss seeing her – but pray that we’ll make it to heaven to see her again. Praying for peace and comfort for all of you. (Sorry, we’re in California and won’t make it to the funeral home. Love you all.)

    Reply
  27. Sandie Redington October 19, 2020 at 3:50 pm

    Linda, Dave, and family. So sorry to hear about your mom. She was a sweet soul. May God comfort you in the days ahead. Keeping you in my prayers. Sandie Redington.

    Reply
  28. Jenny Watson October 19, 2020 at 4:39 pm

    Ed and family,
    Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. I truly thought the world of Mrs. Ruch, she was and will always be my favorite teacher! Fourth grade was a great time for me because of her. Sending love, hugs and prayers to you all.

    Reply
  29. Scott Irons October 19, 2020 at 4:51 pm

    So very sorry for your loss, she was always very kind to me and had a big smile every time we spoke. We are praying for your family in this time of sorrow!

    Reply
  30. Linda Benge October 19, 2020 at 5:10 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Such a classy lady. God bless .

    Reply
  31. Stephanie Ashcraft October 19, 2020 at 5:51 pm

    Mrs. Rich was my favorite teacher. She had so much faith in me and has been my lifelong cheerleader. She radiated love to all who knew her. I will miss her annual handwritten Christmas card. We hope that Ed and her extended family can feel peace at this difficult time.

    Reply
  32. DeAnna & David Strange October 19, 2020 at 7:01 pm

    Ed and family, we are so sorry to hear about Donna passing. She was such a sweet lady and she will be missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  33. Mark & Judy McKinney October 19, 2020 at 7:24 pm

    Ed and family, We are so sorry that sweet Donna is gone. From the years we shared piano lessons at the Barnett home, then enjoyed Girl Scouts, Frankfort and Camp Cullom and then Purdue for many happy years together. Good memories. You and we will all miss Donna. She was a gentle, sweet and very caring person. God bless her and your family.

    Reply
  34. Connie Riuch October 19, 2020 at 7:36 pm

    So sorry to hear of her passing you have all my sympathy. I am very sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  35. Ron & Karon McColley October 19, 2020 at 7:55 pm

    Ed & Family,

    Ron and I were so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was truly a wonderful and nice lady, and I am so glad that I had the opportunity of knowing her.

    Karon

    Reply
  36. Amanda Ostler Dillon October 19, 2020 at 8:26 pm

    Thinking of you all during this difficult time and sending love and prayers.

    Reply
  37. Connie Knoflick October 19, 2020 at 9:01 pm

    Am so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was a wonderful supportive colleague in my first years of teaching and a wonderful teacher to so many. Her smile and continued interest in our family will be greatly missed. My best to Ed and family.

    Reply
  38. Lynette & Jeff Hardesty October 19, 2020 at 9:21 pm

    We are so very sorry for your loss! Heaven gained a godly & sweet lady. We were blessed to call her friend. May your wonderful memories keep her close to your hearts until you’re reunited in heaven, Hugs. Jeff & Lynette Hardesty

    Reply
  39. Reta Williams October 19, 2020 at 11:34 pm

    Mrs. Ruch was my children’s favorite teacher. My children were very different in personality, but she found the characteristics that made them special – a true test of an outstanding teacher. I know that she had an impact on their elementary school years. Reta Williams, mother of Eric and Elizabeth Williams

    Reply
  40. Sheri October 19, 2020 at 11:47 pm

    Ed and family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. May God fill you with His peace. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.
    Love, Pastor Sheri and Robert

    Reply
  41. Terry and Polly Wyrick-Ulrich October 20, 2020 at 1:04 am

    Our deepest Condolences. Donna was a lovely, gracious lady. Prayers of peace and comfort for Ed and the Family.

    Reply
  42. Trudy Ruch October 20, 2020 at 6:46 am

    My deepest sympathy is extended to Ed and all the Ruch family. I remember Donna from family reunions. May she Rest In Peace.

    Reply
  43. Jan kersey October 20, 2020 at 8:25 am

    Very sad to hear of the passing of Donna. What a sweet person, mom, grandma. She always was positive and loved children. Donna will be missed in our community. Prayers to the entire family. You’ve been so blessed to have her in your lives. Fondly Jan K.

    Reply
  44. Mark Eades, Jr. October 20, 2020 at 9:39 am

    To the Ruch family,

    The Eades family is saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. She was a second Mom to many of us. She was always interested in what you were doing and how your family was doing. She cared for you as a person. She loved her family with the deepest of devotion and that was always apparent when talking with her. She made her life count everyday by displaying a caring attitude, gratitude for what God, family and life presented to her and most of all giving love to all.

    Donna will be missed, but God received a very special Angel. With all our love, the Eades Family.

    Reply
  45. Jeanie and Gary Thompson October 20, 2020 at 11:29 am

    We are so so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Donna was one of the sweetest people we’ve known. Our kids and grandkids LOVED HER as their teacher. And I got to know her through Tri Kappa and as a teacher at Clinton Central. She was so living and kind. She’ll be missed by so many.

    Reply
  46. Barbara Jane Chapman Fotos October 20, 2020 at 12:54 pm

    I am saddened to hear that Donna died. There are so many memories of times we shared when we were schoolmates at Riley, Frankfort HS and as Girl Scouts. When my family moved to WV and I left all my good friends, I always looked forward to trips back to Frankfort and the 1952 class reunions and being able to pick up just where we had left off. My good friend, Donna, was always the same kind and sweet person that I admired when we were young. My prayers are with Eddie and their family. May their memories of her comfort them at this time.

    Reply
  47. Carol Rodibaugh October 20, 2020 at 4:17 pm

    The loss of Donna will truly leave a void for so many, for hers is a personality that seems to be diminishing through the years. Kind, compassionate, sweet natured, and with an easy laugh, she was a favorite teacher for two of my children, retiring from Clinton Central just before my daughter had the chance to know her. I always loved how she would write on their papers things like “Good Job, Senator”, or “Keep up the good work, Mr. President!”.
    So sweet and such a gifted teacher. My heart sank when I heard the news. Warmest condolences to Ed and family. If it is any comfort, please know she will never be forgotten, and she impacted many lives in a gentle and positive way.

    Reply
  48. Kathy Chynoweth October 20, 2020 at 8:59 pm

    Dear Ruch family,
    We are so very sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was a beautiful person and will always be remembered for her kind and loving nature. Donna touched many lives…not only as a teacher…but also as a friend. She will be greatly missed. Sending our love and prayers to you all. Jeff & Kathy Chynoweth

    Reply
  49. Jacque Douglas October 20, 2020 at 11:32 pm

    My condolences to all of you. Donna was such a kind, caring person. She always had a positive outlook and a warm smile. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.

    Reply
  50. Janilyn L. Need October 21, 2020 at 6:17 pm

    Dear Ed, Joe, Linda and Jan, Since we cannot spend time with your family at this time; please accept our sincere condolences. We were so blessed to have Donna in our lives all of these years. Many memories of a beautiful friend. May the Lord continue to bless your family and give you peace. Love Jim and Janilyn Need

    Reply
  51. Sandy and Larry Laughner October 21, 2020 at 8:28 pm

    Ed, Linda, Joe, Jan and Families,
    We have lost a very dear friend. Our prayers to you all. We are with you in spirit. Love you all.

    Reply
  52. Jim & Rene’ Rogers October 21, 2020 at 8:33 pm

    Donna was a beautiful person both inside and out! I was fortunate to work with her at Clinton Central Elementary, and she was always so positive and encouraging to me! She even shared a birthday with my mom, Patsy! Thoughts and prayers to Ed and the entire family! Jim and Rene’ Rogers

    Reply
  53. Margaret Sheets October 21, 2020 at 11:16 pm

    Dearest Ruch Family,

    I was a fellow teacher with Donna at Clinton Central. She was a real lady who exuded kindness and a sweet demeanor. I’m so happy that you have had many years of memories with her. My thought and prayers are with your family.

    Reply
  54. Barb & Wayne Fausett October 22, 2020 at 3:52 am

    Ed and Family, We are so sorry for the loss of your wife, Mother & Grandmother, Donna. She was such a pleasant person to everyone. Our prayers for comfort and peace during these difficult times. May God wrap His loving arms around each family member and friends in your sorrow.

    Reply
  55. Susie Trees October 22, 2020 at 12:56 pm

    Since we cannot be with your dear family during this virus season, Ron and I send you our hugs and our Love! We are deeply saddened to hear of Donna’s passing, as our community has lost the most special Lady that all who knew her, adored her! May God’s Peace bring you comfort, and we know she is totally healed in the arms of Jesus! Please know how much your family is in our hearts and our prayers.

    Reply
  56. Charlie Fink October 22, 2020 at 8:39 pm

    Ed and family
    We are so sorry for your loose of a wonderful lady who we called our friend. May God be with you in the days to come as you and the family remember this great family member.

    Charlie and Sue Fink

    Reply
  57. Janet Hudson October 24, 2020 at 9:27 am

    Ed, so sorry to hear about Donna. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.

    Reply
  58. Gary Loveless October 24, 2020 at 7:53 pm

    I want to extend my sincere condolences to Dave and Linda and family on the passing of Linda’s mother Donna Ruch, God Bless you during this difficult time..

    Gary Loveless and Family

    Reply
  59. Rose Peterson April 7, 2022 at 4:33 pm

    Prayers, I met her at Rock Steady Boxing a balance event for people with Parkinson’s, where my husband Don Peterson went. She was a very sweet lady. God be with you.

    Reply

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