Ruth Ann Chitty, 80, of Chalmers, died at 7:15 p.m. on October 29, 2008 at Westminster Village. She had been battling brain cancer for the last 18 months. Born on January 6, 1928 in Odon, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Maude Burkhart Clinton. She often shared fond and humorous memories of her childhood days with her sister, Martha Clinton Hart and brother, Henry Clinton. During World War II and after graduating from Odon-Madison High School in 1945, Ruth Ann worked for Crane Naval Ammunition Depot. She later attended Purdue University where she received her B.S. and M.A. degrees in Education. She married Ralph William Chitty on August 14, 1955 in Odon United Methodist Church. They spent more than 50 years together raising their three children on a small family farm in (Brookston) Prairie Township near Chalmers, Indiana. Holidays were made special with unique family recipes and creative gift giving. Ruth Ann devoted her life to serving others in her community. She worked for Frontier School Corporation for 24 years where she taught home economics and physical education in the junior and senior high schools, and second grade in the elementary school. Her second graders will remember her for her commitment to learning their math facts and the beloved Mother's Tea. As a member of the Federated Church of Brookston, Ruth Ann served on many boards; was a member of the Federated Women's Christian Fellowship, Circle, and the Social Committee. She taught various Sunday School classes over the years. Ruth Ann appreciated the warm fellowship and lasting friendships within her church family. She served on the Brookston Library Board, was a long-time member of the Chi chapter of Psi Iota Xi of Brookston, a 50 year member of the Indiana Homemakers Association and participated in Prairiettes Homemakers Club. Ruth Ann especially enjoyed her involvement in encouraging young people in reaching their potential through 4-H. She was particularly proud of being a National 4-H Achievement Award winner in 1948 and for 40 years served 14 Indiana counties and the Indiana State Fair Board by judging exhibits in more than 16 project categories. Many 4-Hers solicited Ruth Ann each summer for her expertise and advice on their projects. At home she took pleasure in cooking, tending her flower and vegetable gardens, entertaining others, and her bell collection. Ruth Ann also devoted her time to researching and organizing a record of her family's history. Surviving are her husband, Ralph "Bill" Chitty; daughter, Harriet Armstrong (husband: John) of Columbus, Indiana; and sons Alvin Chitty (wife: Deidre) of West Point; and Walter Chitty (wife: Becky) of Chalmers. Preceding her in death with her parents include: a brother, Henry Clinton; a daughter, Martha Lynne Chitty; and a granddaughter, Kaytlynne Suzanne Chitty. Ruth Ann was exceptionally proud of her eight grandchildren. She looked forward to their visits and encouraged them in their school work, 4-H projects, church activities, and athletic meets. She could often entice them to a game of Chinese Checkers in exchange for a piece of her delicious Angel Food cake or a buttered yeast roll with homemade raspberry jelly. Due to her commitment to both 4-H and education, donations can be made in her memory to either the White County 4-H Foundation or to The Ruth Ann Chitty Special Project Fund for Frontier Elementary School Students and may be made during service times or mailed to the Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home (P.O. Box 509 Brookston, Indiana 47923). Friends may call from 2-7 p.m., Sunday, November 2, 2008 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home in Brookston and also from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Monday, November 3, 2008 at the Brookston Federated Church. Rev. Dr. Lelan D. McReynolds will officiate. Burial will follow at the Chalmers Community Cemetery, Chalmers, Indiana. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and on-line condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.