Ruth A. Barron

All who knew Ruth Barron would agree that there was no one who met her and left unchanged. Upon meeting her, it was easy to see that her life was deeply rooted in her unwavering faith, and her faith was the compass she used to direct her steps. Ruth was a loving and devoted wife and mother who was the solid foundation of her family and there whenever she was needed. Also active in her community, she was the sort of person whom everyone seemed to know. Although life was not without times of trial for Ruth, she had the most amazing strength and could find the positive in everything. She leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

Nearly a century has passed since the 1920s. This was a vibrant time in America when innovation was taking us places we had never been. Cars were mass produced on assembly lines, which made them more affordable, and with the adventurous spirits of Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh we were only beginning to understand what was really possible. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1924 when a young couple from Millville, New Jersey, was eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as summer held the nation firmly in its grip. The big day finally arrived when the baby girl they named Ruth Arminda drew her first breathon July 3rd.

Born to George and Gertrude (Banks) Boogar, she was a typical young girl of her generation. She was full of adventure, too, and on one occasion she decided to hang upside down by her knees from the branch of a tree in her backyard. This put a neighbor lady all in a tizzy, so she called and spoke to Ruths mother saying, I bet you dont know what your daughter is up to! Little did this woman know, her mother had been sitting on the back porch watching Ruth the entire time! She attended local schools, graduating from Millville High School in 1941. Ruth then attended Vineland Business College in Vineland, New Jersey, and following that she worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance company for a total of four years.

As a young woman Ruth was eager for all that life had in store. She was active in her church and was a USO hostess for the Army Air Force Base in Millville. It was there that she met the young man of her dreams. His name was James R. Barron, and when he asked her for a date she let him know that he could escort her to church. Love grew, and with a desire to spend the rest of their lives together they were married on December 31, 1944. Just six weeks later, Ruths new husband was called to serve during WWII and sent overseas. He was then gone longer than she had even known him.

With his military duties fulfilled, Ruths husband returned home. Together they raised three wonderful children, Jamie, Janet, and John. Ruth was able to focus her time and attention at home as a wife, mother, and homemaker, and she thrived in that environment. In 1951, the family moved to Ft. Wayne after having lived in Iowa and Kansas. In 1961, they moved to their farm in Columbia City. When their children were young they enjoyed traveling together, camping all across Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. When her children grew older and became adults, Ruth still took her role as a mother to heart. She was always there when her children came to her with their worries, reassuring them by telling them, Dont cross that bridge until you get to it, and, This too shall pass. Ruth was filled with unspeakable joy to witness her family grow to include 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

A longtime resident of the community she loved, Ruth was involved in touching hearts and lives in different ways. She was an active member of her church, Jefferson Chapel United Methodist Church, for over 50 years. Over the years, Ruth served as their organist, pianist, choir director, and adult Sunday school teacher. She was often the first to welcome new pastors into the church, and she also regularly invited them over for dinner. Ruth always prayed for everyone she knew, and she willingly cared for anyone in need. She was also a member of the United Methodist Womens Group in Columbia City, and she taught private piano lessons to many students over a long period of time. In addition, Ruth enjoyed sewing, gardening, and crocheting in her down time.

Truly beautiful on the inside and out, Ruth Barron was such a gift in the lives of all who were near. She always had a smile and could find the good in everyone. People always treasured her encouragement and support, and she was a prayer warrior who treasured her faith. Ruth will be deeply missed but never forgotten by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Ruth A. Barron, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 26, 2016, at her residence. Ruths family includes her children, Jamie (Connie) Barron of Paris, TN, Janet (David) Strader, and John (Jacqueline) Barron, both of Columbia City; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 2 step great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; infant son; and husband, James R. Barron. Friends may callon Tuesday, March 1, 2016, from 2-46-8 p.m.at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services for Ruth will be heldat 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at Jefferson Chapel United Methodist Church 7067 S. 500 East, Columbia City, with calling one hour prior. Burial will follow in Jefferson Chapel (Sand Bank) Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorial contributions in memory of Ruth may be made to Jefferson Chapel United Methodist Church. Visit www.demoneygrimes.comto sign the online guest register or to send a condolence.