Ruth Marie Widmer, 96, of Otterbein, passed away at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at Cumberland Pointe of West Lafayette.

  Ruth was born April 5, 1926 to Eli and Anna (Beutler) Schwamberger on the family farm just North of Otterbein.  She graduated from Otterbein High School in 1944.

  Her marriage of 68 years was to Earnest A. “Bud” Widmer on February 9, 1947 at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lafayette.  Bud preceded her in death on August 23, 2015.

  Ruth was a loving and devoted farm wife, raising three sons while supporting Bud while he farmed in Benton and Tippecanoe Counties.  Ruth and Bud were lifelong residents of Benton County.

  Ruth and Bud were faithful members of Faith Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, served on the church council and was President of the Church Women’s Organization.  Ruth is currently a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church; she was proud to have been a part of the building project for the new church facility. 

  For years, the couple wintered in central Florida at The Villages where they enjoyed playing cards and the many friendships made. 

  One of Ruth’s greatest pleasures was knowing what all the children and their families were accomplishing in school and in their jobs.  Ruth was an excellent cook and baker, she was known for her prize winning rum cakes.

  Surviving are two sons, Ralph Widmer (wife: Teresa) of Monticello and Paul Widmer (wife: Linda) of West Lafayette and her sister, Helen Sturm of West Lafayette.  Ruth loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jason Widmer (wife: Donna) and their children Aspen, Brooke and Jack; Jenna Barnett (husband: David) and their children Zane and Max; Brandon Widmer (wife: Jamie) and their Children Kai and Reid; Gabe Widmer (wife: Amanda) and their children Carlene, Eli, Sophia, Nolan and Brock; Ashley Miller (husband: Kirk) and their children Ella, Kolin, Blake and Layla; Justin Widmer (wife: Jill) and their children Jaidyn, Jameson and Jocelyn; Chad Widmer (wife: Sarah) and their children Joe, Isabella, Margaret and Elizabeth; Janelle Hardebeck (husband: Brian) and their children Avery, Olivia and Eden; and Whitney Widmer Wanner (husband: Jake) and their children Monroe and Palmer.  Also surviving is a step-grandson, Brandon Chevillet (wife: Pam) and their children Ava and Elijah and a step-granddaughter, Jamie Chevillet (husband: Garret Schneider) and their children Abraham and Elizabeth.

  Preceding her in death with her parents and husband, is a beloved son and daughter-in-law, Joe & Connie Widmer and her sister, Maxine Schwamberger. 

  Friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Sunday, July 31, 2022 at the Otterbein United Methodist Church (405 East Oxford Street) and also from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11 a.m. Monday, August 1, 2022; Rev. Ben Cassiday to officiate.  Interment to follow in Montmorenci Cemetery.

  Memorials may be given to the Benton County Foundation - Joe & Connie Widmer Scholarship Fund, the Otterbein United Methodist Church or the Montmorenci Cemetery.

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