Ruth Anna Wait

Someone with a love of family, who never complained at all, and was always there for anyone, whether they were having a crisis or a celebration are just a few ways to describe Ruth Wait.  A few events that occurred in history include the Museum of Modern Art being created, the first Academy Awards and Oscars were handed out, inventions of Motorola’s first car radio, Charles Leiper Grigg’s soft drink 7-Up, and on January 10, 1929, Oscar and Icellee (Winebrenner) Gilbert welcomed the birth of Ruth Anna in Churubusco, Indiana.

A 4-year old Ruth told a joke at the Churubusco Town Talent Show: “Mary had a little dress, it was so light and airy.  It never showed a speck of dirt, but boy did it show Mary!” She won first place.

Ruth attended Churubusco High School and graduated Valedictorian with the Class of 1947.  She always said that several of her friends wouldn’t have graduated if she hadn’t given them the answers on tests and homework.  Ruth was quite crafty, and often would take tickets at the Churubusco Theatre so that she could watch the movies for free.

She worked at Lincoln Life in Fort Wayne and Star Financial Bank in Columbia City for 35 years and loved hosting family dinners in her younger years.  Once after a Thanksgiving dinner everyone got sick due to the bad turkey. Ruth was completely mortified.  As a  single mom to 3 kids her home was welcome to all and she made sure everyone was comfortable.  She was well known for making cookies and hot chocolate for her family and friends after ice skating.

Ruth was an avid newspaper reader, but also enjoyed traveling, puzzling and playing games with her great grandson Jesse Engle, watching game shows, spending time with her family, going out to eat with her long time companion Bryce Eiler and shopping, especially for shoes.  Ruth had a passion and quite a collection of music boxes and angels.

Ruth’s taste in music included the Beatles and Elvis. She even attended Elvis’ last concert in Fort Wayne and was excited like a schoolgirl to see him! Her favorite movies without question were Gone With the Wind and The Wizard of Oz.  Ruth was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers Indianapolis Colts football and IU Basketball fan.  In addition, Ruth never acted her age and often bragged about how she took “old ladies” in their 70s to appointments when she was in her 90s!  She will always be remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved her so well.

Ruth Anna Wait, age 91, of Churubusco, IN, passed away at 12:22 pm on Saturday November 28, 2020 at Parkview Randallia Hospital, Fort Wayne.

Survivors include her daughter Carol (Rick) Price of Etna Green; grandchildren Jennifer (Rex) Engle, James (Emily) Gibson of Warsaw, Cody Wait of Kendallville, and Cory Wait of Butler; 3 great-grandchildren Wyatt, Adelynn, and Jesse Engle; siblings, Mary Stolte of Albion and Alice Conrow, of Churubusco.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, two sisters, sons Kevin Wait and Michael Wait, great-grandson Jasper Engle, and her companion Bryce Eiler.

Friends and family may call from 12:00-2:00pm on Thursday December 3, 2020 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.  With the current Executive Order, face masks are required for attendance.

Funeral services for Ruth will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at the funeral home.   With limited seating, the funeral service may also be watched live on Facebook through DeMoney Grimes Live. Burial will follow in Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City.

Memorial donations may be given in memory of Ruth to American Diabetes Association.                                 Visit www.demoneygrimes.com  to send family online condolences.