Ruth Ann Thompson, 92, of Chalmers, is at peace with the Lord as she passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2022.  Ruth was born on September 23, 1929 in Alexandria, Indiana.  Her parents were Arthur “Monk” and Ethel (Clerget) Connell.  Ruth was raised in Buffalo, Indiana graduating from Buffalo High School.

  Ruth met the love of her life, Jack Thompson, at a high school basketball game.  Ruth felt honored and blessed to marry Jack on October 24, 1948, in Monticello, Indiana.  He passed away on December 24, 2015.  Their love, family priorities, values, honesty, being fair with people, and lending a helping hand where needed, were shared together for 67 years.

  She will always be remembered for her love of family.  Her caring heart, advice, wisdom, encouragement, and providing positive direction has always been there for them, and will never be forgotten.  Being a mother, grandmother, and grandma-great were all titles she loved to hear.  She was so proud of all of them and never missed an opportunity to share in their lives, whether it was a special dance program, sporting events, school functions and the holiday seasons where she would bring her family favorites that everyone would look forward to and enjoy.  As a mom, she wanted her family to be active and always remember to “give back” as she found great satisfaction in watching them mature and show compassion for others through their volunteer efforts.

  A superb cook, Ruth was in her element when she became the head cook at Frontier High School in 1970.  She loved incorporating her own personal recipes in the food she prepared for the students and staff.  Many enjoyed those homemade yeast rolls.

  She and Jack loved their community and their neighbors and did not pass up an opportunity to share in activities that provided fellowship.  A life-long member of the Chalmers Community Church, her spiritual devotion was evident in the many activities she participated in and again, there were many requests to share her favorite pies at dinners and funerals.  The annual Chalmers Civics Club Fish Fry was an event she and Jack looked forward to each year as it was a time for some good food and visits with friends and neighbors and everyone worked to make it successful.  They shared many laughs and great stories at their monthly card club with their friends. Ruth was active in Kappa Kappa Sigma Sorority and volunteered with the White County Election Board. Ruth enjoyed her coffee group as their visits allowed them some leisure time to relax and get an update in their lives.

  Her loving family includes daughter, Jacqueline (Richard) Lehe of West Lafayette, and a son, Jerry (Carol) Thompson of West Lafayette.  Also surviving are her grandchildren, Jeralyn (Zachary) Jones; Craig (Haley) Lehe, and Adam (Gina) Lehe, all of Brownsburg and her great-grandchildren, Fallon, Phoebe, and Finlay Jones; Jackson and Porter Lehe; and Adrianna and Natalia Lehe.

  Preceding her in death with her parents and husband are three sisters, Juanita Russow, Isabelle Lemaich, Grace Doremire, and two brothers, Oval “Dutch” Connell and Howard “Barney” Connell.

  A beautiful lady, her life was always in clear focus…. Her faith, family, and thinking of others first.  She created a pathway of life that has been remarkable and as we choose to walk that path, the memories will be forever in our hearts.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 12 p.m. (Noon) Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at Chalmers Community Church (103 South 2^nd St.  Chalmers, IN); family friend, Rev Jason Reed, and Pastor Joseph Bein to officiate.  Interment to follow in the Chalmers Community Cemetery.

  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Chalmers Community Church or Elara Caring Hospice of Lafayette.

  Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com